Group of 5 Top 4 After Week 4
RELATED ARTICLES: W4 RECAP, CFP TEAMS, GOPHER UPDATE, W5 PREVIEW
San Diego State survived a weather delay and held off Air Force while playing in giant puddle. The Falcons gave the Aztecs a scare, but it wasn't enough as the Aztecs hung on for a 28-24 win. Running back Rashaad Penny continues to tear up defenses on the ground, and is second in the nation in rushing. Rocky Long's team now focuses on Northern Illinois to finish their non-conference schedule.
It wasn't pretty, but Memphis got the win over Southern Illinois 44-31. The Tigers offense has proven it can score on anyone, but the defense continues to be a struggle. With a big matchup against UCF looming this weekend, that group needs to refocus. Memphis can't continue to win shootouts at this rate.
USF started slow. Again. The first quarter continues to give them issues. The Bulls have scored 163 points this year, but just 19 have come in the opening segments of their games this year. Their point differential in those first quarters is -6 compared to +100 in quarters 2-4. Look, a win's a win, but if they keep winning at this rate, they'll just get destroyed in a New Year's bowl game. Something needs to change. Oh, and Quinton Flowers is still fun to watch. Just a nagging issue that will be addressed.
Toledo wasn't expected to win against Miami, but that didn't matter to them on Saturday. The Rockets held a halftime lead over the Hurricanes, and kept things interesting most of the game. Their defense, however, didn't have an answer for Mark Walton, and the Canes running back finished with 204 yards rushing with a touchdown. Toledo's defense has now allowed 1,135 yards and 103 points in the last two games, but Jason Candle will get that fixed for conference play.
Boise State and Houston both lost this weekend, which opened the door for UCF and Troy to become the "Next 2" in the rankings. UCF shocked Maryland on the road 38-10, and has a chance to get into the Top 4 with a win over Memphis this weekend. Troy struggled in their opening loss to Boise State, but has steadied the ship since then. At 3-1, the Trojans are at the top of the Sun Belt, but you know that Appalachian State will eventually have something to say about that. For now, it's Troy's conference to lose.
