New Mexico football rode its elite defense to a 21-16 win over North Dakota State on Saturday, Oct. 24, cementing its favorite status for the Mountain West Championship this season.
Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae struggled — he was 8-of-14 passing for 92 yards with an interception — but his defense picked up the slack, holding the Bison to 251 total yards with two turnovers, one of which was an interception returned for a 56-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
It marks a signature win for New Mexico, which is Boise State's biggest competition for a College Football Playoff berth so far this season. Its offense isn't great without starting quarterback
Jack Layne due to injury, but its defense is among the best in non-Power Four in recent years.
James Madison, meanwhile, suffered its first loss of the season in a 34-31 road loss to Appalachian State on Thursday, Oct. 22. It's a tough blow for the Dukes' chances at reaching the CFP again, especially with their strength of schedule not quite as tough as Boise State, New Mexico and other Group of Six CFP contenders.
Here's a look at the best non-Power Four teams in college football through eight weeks of the season:
1. Boise State ↔️ (1)
Boise State has a potentially tough matchup against Texas State after having a bye in Week 8. The Bobcats boast one of the top offenses in college football, led by quarterback Brad Jackson, who has 19 total touchdowns.
Texas State has deployed a high-powered rushing attack this season, between Jackson's 382 rushing yards and running back Torrance Burgess Jr.'s 889 yards on 7.5 yards per carry. The Broncos will be heavily favored but will look to avoid this one turning into a track meet.
2. New Mexico ↔️ (2)
New Mexico's defense is elite.
It ranks No. 1 nationally in points allowed, with its opponents averaging only 11.3 points per game. It also ranks fifth nationally in total defense, allowing 261 yards per game.
It's hard to imagine second-year coach Jason Eck not making the jump to the Power Four some point soon, given his success in such a short period of time at New Mexico. His Lobos are also a real CFP contender — right next to Boise State.
It'll be interesting to see where New Mexico is ranked compared to Boise State when the first CFP rankings release, as there could be quite the debate between the Broncos and Lobos if they both win their respective conferences.
3. Oregon State ⬆️ (4)
Oregon State was the biggest winner among non-Power Four teams in Week 8, despite not playing a game. Star true freshman Jesse Legree, who leads the country in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, announced his return to the Beavers for next season.
Oregon State is New Mexico's biggest competition in the Pac-12 right now, with both teams still undefeated in conference play. Quarterback Braden Atkinson has been the best passer in Group of Six so far this season, as he leads the country with 2,604 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to only two interceptions.
Oregon State's offense vs. New Mexico's defense in a Pac-12 championship game would be cinema.
4. James Madison ⬇️ (3)
James Madison fell victim to the trap game in Week 8, traveling to a hostile environment at Appalachian State at night on Thursday, Oct. 22.
The loss hurts the Dukes' chances at a CFP berth, as they already likely needed some help to reach the 12-team field, given the Sun Belt's relative ease compared to the Pac-12 or Mountain West. James Madison also lost star running back George Pettaway, who exited the game against Appalachian State with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter and didn't return.
First-year coach Billy Napier has done a great job, but the Dukes' sights might need to be on a conference championship rather than a CFP bid.
5. UTSA ↔️ (5)
UTSA thrashed Tulane 42-19 in Week 8, improving to 7-1 on the season with a 4-0 mark in American play.
Quarterback Owen McCown wasn't at this best, as he completed 16 of 23 passes for 173 yards with a rushing touchdown and two interceptions. The run game was, though, as the Roadrunners rushed for 223 yards and six touchdowns.
UTSA is the current leader in the American, but its remaining schedule against Florida Atlantic, North Texas, UAB and Tulsa is among the toughest in the conference.
6. North Texas ⬆️ (7)
Defense might be optional when North Texas faces Florida Atlantic in Week 9. Both UNT quarterback Tayven Jackson and FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp rank top 11 nationally in passing yards. The Mean Green ranks No. 4 in FBS in total offense (525.7 yards per game) while the Owls rank No. 39 in total offense (428.1 yards per game).
Both teams are still in the American conversation, and this one could be an underrated banger.
7. Memphis ⬆️ (NR)
Memphis is still finding its footing a bit after its 31-17 loss to Tulane in Week 7, but it returns to our Group of Six power rankings following a 41-34 win over East Carolina.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes garnered 351 total yards with five total touchdowns in the overtime win and has kept playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the American at his best. Memphis is among the most talented teams in its conference, but it needs to be more consistent to compete for a conference title.
8. North Dakota State ⬇️ (6)
North Dakota State has now dropped two of its last three games against UNLV and New Mexico, the Mountain West front runner.
Still, the Bison are a tough out, even though they're in their first season since transitioning to FBS from the FCS. They're capable of finishing out the season strong and beating anyone in the conference.
Schools dropped off: Air Force (8)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Group of Six power rankings: Two front runners emerge, but a third team's on their tail
