Boise State football's College Football Playoff hopes appeared to take a hit during its thrilling win over Texas State in Week 9 when starting quarterback Maddux Madsen went down with an injury.
Boise State allowed 36 unanswered points after leading 28-3 against Texas State but rallied for a 46-45 win in the final moments. Madsen was on crutches after the game, but coach Spencer Danielson told reporters Nov. 2 that Madsen's injury isn't serious and will potentially be available against Colorado State in Week 10.
Boise State will need Madsen back as New Mexico, which made its US LBM Coaches Poll season debut at No. 25 on Nov. 1, is right on the Broncos' heels.
There
are four weeks left in the regular season, and it looks like a two-team race for the Group of Six bid for the CFP. Here's a look at our power rankings heading into Week 10:
Group of Six power rankings after Week 9
1. Boise State ↔️ (1)
- This week: at Colorado State
Boise State allowed a whopping 45 points after halftime to Texas State in Week 9 but was able to hang on for a 46-45 win after backup quarterback Max Cutforth threw three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a game-winner with 2:40 left.
Boise State held a 28-3 lead at halftime before Texas State went on to total 429 yards of offense. Texas State took a 39-28 lead midway through the fourth quarter before the Broncos made their comeback.
It's the kind of win a team of Boise State's stature accomplishes, even if there were some obvious blemishes. Until the Broncos lose, they're the frontrunner for a CFP bid.
2. New Mexico ↔️ (2)
- This week: at Nevada (Nov. 6)
Another week, another ugly win for New Mexico. The Lobos' offense has not been good this season, but they've been carried by their elite defense that is easily the best among non-Power Four teams so far. Quarterback To'a Fa'avae, who was thrust into the starting job after Jack Layne suffered a season-ending injury before the season, threw for just 101 yards with three interceptions in a 21-16 win over San Jose State in Week 9.
Second-year coach Jason Eck doesn't care how the Lobos win, just that they do. The wins aren't pretty but the 7-1 record is.
3. UTSA ⬆️ (3)
- This week: at Florida Atlantic (Nov. 5)
UTSA keeps inching up the rankings, moving up to No. 3 following losses by Oregon State and James Madison in Week 9. The Roadrunners were off in Week 9 at an opportune time, with tough games coming up against high-powered offenses in Florida Atlantic and North Texas, another American Conference title contender.
Coach Jeff Traylor keeps garnering high-major coaching interest, but for now his Roadrunners are set on a CFP berth.
4. North Texas ⬆️ (6)
- This week: vs. Rice
First-year coach Neal Brown continues to prove his worth at the non-Power Four level. Brown has the Mean Green at 6-2 this season with a 4-0 record in conference play.
North Texas boasts one of the best offenses in Group of Six and is coming off a 48-41 win over Florida Atlantic in Week 9 after quarterback Tayven Jackson threw for 404 yards with four touchdowns and running back Jaheim White rushed for 193 yards and two scores.
The Mean Green don't play a lick of defense but can score with anyone. For that, they're a threat in the American race.
5. Memphis ⬆️ (7)
- This week: Off
The American is wide open and Memphis' bounce back is playing a role in that race. The Tigers were upset earlier this season by Tulane, but have since defeated East Carolina and Army in convincing fashion.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes scored five total touchdowns with 401 total yards and no turnovers in Memphis' 49-22 win over the Black Knights in Week 9. The Tigers don't control their own destiny going forward as of right now, as they don't play North Texas or UTSA, the two remaining undefeated teams in American play.
6. Oregon State ⬇️ (3)
- This week: vs. Texas State
Oregon State was shut down offensively in its disappointing 38-22 loss to Fresno State in Week 9. Beavers quarterback Braden Atkinson threw for 373 yards and a touchdown on 59 attempts, but their rushing attack was held to 2.8 yards per carry, ultimately holding Oregon State in check.
Heisman Trophy contender Jesse Legree had his first game under 100 receiving yards in his short college career, as he went for 70 yards on seven receptions in the loss.
The Beavers now face a likely must-win scenario against Boise State this season if they want to make the Pac-12 championship game, assuming the Broncos win their other remaining games.
7. Liberty ⬆️ (NR)
- This week: at New Mexico State
Perhaps we've been underrating Liberty? The Flames have gone a bit unnoticed this season, but have rattled off seven consecutive wins after falling to James Madison 20-13 to open the season.
Liberty is actually the highest-rated team in ESPN's SP+, a metric that rates team performance and efficiency. Liberty has won its past six games by double digits, with its past three wins over Sam Houston, Kennesaw State and Florida International coming by 28 points or more.
Liberty isn't a threat to make the CFP right now given its weak strength of schedule in Conference USA, but fourth-year coach Jamey Chadwell has the Flames rolling.
8. James Madison ⬇️ (4)
- This week: at Southern Miss (Nov. 5)
James Madison's trajectory has changed dramatically after back-to-back losses to Appalachian State and Troy. The Dukes are now 7-2 on the season with a 4-2 mark in Sun Belt play, and are even potentially at risk of not reaching the conference championship game.
James Madison still ranks among the highest Group of Six teams in SP+, coming in at No. 33, behind Liberty (28), Boise State (31) and New Mexico (32).
- Fell off list: North Dakota State (8)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Group of Six power rankings: Boise State survived. Now a new threat looms in CFP race
