Week five brings the first week of full-fledged conference play, two weeknight games and numerous rivalry games. Here is a look at the weeknight games and the early Saturday matchups to keep an eye on.
Houston (4-0) at UTEP (2-2), 8 ET, CBSN, (Thu.) – Houston is 4-0 for the first time since 2006 and will be looking to go 5-0 for the first time since 1979. Houston’s Case Keenum enters the game leading the nation in total offense averaging 388.00 ypg. In four previous games against UTEP, Keenum has thrown for 1,411 yards in four games against UTEP (most against any opponent) along with nine touchdowns and one interception. UTEP will be home after playing three straight road contests.
Only two non-AQ teams remain undefeated after four weeks. Boise State and Houston remain perfect and are the No. 1 and 2 teams, while Temple, BYU and Southern Mississippi move into the power rankings. It is the first appearance for Temple and Southern Mississippi. Ohio, Central Florida and Wyoming all fall out of the rankings.
It was a weekend where both winning and losing streaks came to an end. There were brilliant performances by both air and ground. These are just a few of the highlights (and lowlights) from this past weekend’s games.
And then there were two – Six non-AQ teams entered Saturday with unblemished records. Only Boise State and Houston remained perfect. Florida International, Ohio, San Diego State and Wyoming all suffered their first defeat of 2011.
Home cookin’ – With its 55-13 win over Portland State, TCU extended its home winning streak to 22 games. The streak sets a new Mountain West record–breaking the previous record of 21 set by Utah (2007-10).
With a quarter of the 2011 season in the books, six teams remain undefeated among BCS non-automatic qualifying schools. Here is a breakdown of each team’s chances to finish the regular season undefeated.
Boise State (2-0) – Of the non-AQ schools, the Broncos are in the best position. They have beaten an SEC team (Georgia) and preseason MAC favorite (Toledo) on the road. The Broncos should cruise until a two-week stretch where they host TCU (Nov. 12) and travel to San Diego State (Nov. 19).
Season outlook - There is no reason to believe that Boise State can’t finish 12-0 and play in a BCS bowl or the National Championship.
The best of the late Saturday afternoon and evening games feature two teams going on the road to meet BCS opponents in Southern Mississippi and Rice. While Wyoming plays host to neighbor Nebraska for the first time in school history. Another set of schools in adjoining states, Colorado State and Utah State, will meet in Logan, Utah for the first time since 1997.
Southern Mississippi (2-1) at Virginia (2-1), Raycom, 3:30 ET – Southern Mississippi head coach Larry Fedora will be looking for his first road win against a BCS opponent since becoming the Eagles head coach in 2008. The Golden Eagles beat Virginia, 37-34, at home in 2009. Last week, Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis got back on track throwing two touchdown passes in a 52-6 win over Southeastern Louisiana. The previous week he threw three interceptions in a loss to Marshall.