Group of Six power rankings: New Mexico makes statement, JMU, NDSU on rise
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New Mexico coach Jason Eck showed he has the coaching chops to stick with the big dogs when his Lobos gave Oklahoma quite the scare on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The Sooners' offense has been inept this season, but New Mexico held the SEC power to 1.9 yards per rush and 14 points on the road in its 14-6 loss in Week 3. New Mexico had the ball late down eight points with a chance to tie the score, and its defense was applauded by Oklahoma coach Brent Venables for its ability to fill gaps and stuff the run game.
Boise State moved to 2-1 on the year after defeating South Dakota 38-24. Running back Dylan Riley had another huge game, rushing for 198 yards with two touchdowns in the win, raising his season total to 454 rushing yards, which ranks fourth nationally.
Oregon State also enters the rankings after having won its first game of the year in a 52-17 romp of Montana. FCS transfer Braden Atkinson has been a revelation for first-year coach JaMarcus Shephard, as he ranks second nationally in passing yards through three games. Atkinson only trails USC quarterback Jayden Maiava in passing yards, although Maiava has already played four games.
Each week, USA TODAY Sports ranks the best non-Power Four teams. Here's where the top Group of Six teams stand heading into Week 4:
1. Boise State ↔️ (last week: 1)
- Last week: 38-24 win over South Dakota
- This week: at Western Michigan
Boise State maintains its No. 1 ranking for the third consecutive week after taking care of business with its 38-24 win over South Dakota in Week 3. Quarterback Maddux Madsen is the most-experienced quarterback in non-Power Four, and the Broncos might also have the best running back at the level in Riley.
Boise State will look to flex its muscles against Western Michigan, the reigning MAC champions who gave Michigan a scare in Week 1. There could be College Football Playoff implications in the big-time non-Power Four matchup.
2. New Mexico ↔️ (last week: 2)
- Last week: 14-6 loss at Oklahoma
- This week: at New Mexico State
Ten of New Mexico's 11 starters on defense are either seniors or redshirt seniors. When opposing coaches go to scout the Lobos for next offseason's transfer portal, they're not getting any of their standouts.
New Mexico's defense looks like the best unit in Group of Six right now, thanks to its unusual amount of experience for a non-Power Four program. The defense gave a struggling Oklahoma offense fits, holding the Sooners to 61 rushing yards on 32 carries in the Lobos' 14-6 loss in Week 3.
New Mexico's offense isn't great, thanks to starting quarterback Jack Layne being out for the season. Still, it's plenty good enough to win some grimy games and compete for a Mountain West championship, especially with Boise State gone.
The Lobos rank No. 1 in NCAA in turnover margin (+8) and turnovers forced (8), having coughed up the ball zero times this season.
3. James Madison ⬆️ (last week: 5)
- Last week: 26-13 win over San Diego State
- This week: at Old Dominion
James Madison hasn't fallen off under first-year coach Billy Napier. The Dukes took down San Diego State with ease on Sept. 19, winning 26-13 with forcing a pair of turnovers in the win.
James Madison allowed 192 rushing yards in the win, which could be an issue moving forward, but it clearly has some of the better talent at the Group of Six level. Napier wasn't cut out for the Florida job, but he knows how to lead a team in CUSA.
4. Memphis ⬇️ (last week: 3)
- Last week: 45-21 win over UT Martin
- This week: at Charlotte
Memphis' offensive attack did what it was supposed to against FCS UT Martin, as quarterback Marcus Stokes threw for 258 yards with four touchdowns in the 45-21 win in Week 3.
While the Tigers allowed 21 points, 14 of those came late in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. Star running back Jaylin Carter took 12 carries for 62 yards in the game, but wasn't asked to take a heavy workload against the FCS opponent.
Conference play awaits Memphis, which opens American play against Charlotte.
5. Western Michigan ⬇️ (last week: 4)
- Last week: 28-21 win over Rice
- This week: vs. Boise State
Western Michigan could've played better in its 28-21 win over Rice in Week 3, although a win is a win at the end of the day. The Broncos' tough defense allowed 330 yards to the Owls, 209 of which came on the ground.
No one will care about Western Michigan's win over Rice, though, if it can turn around and upset Boise State in Week 3.
6. North Dakota State ⬆️ (last week: unranked)
- Last week: 31-10 win over Sacramento State
- This week: Bye
North Dakota State is 4-0 to start its program's history at the FBS level. NDSU defeated Sacramento State 31-10 on the road in Week 3.
The Bison haven't played a team of note yet, which is why they find themselves at No. 6 in the rankings. They'll look to prove themselves in upcoming games against New Mexico and UNLV, among others.
7. Tulsa ⬆️ (last week: 8)
- Last week: 42-0 win over East Texas A&M
- This week: at Arkansas
Who would've thought Tulsa would have the best record of the three FBS teams in Oklahoma? The Golden Hurricane improved to 3-0 on the season after defeating East Texas A&M 42-0 in Week 3.
Tulsa's 24-10 win over Oklahoma State in Week 1 is still the best win of any Group of Six team this season, although it needs to prove the game wasn't a fluke moving forward. Still, second-year coach Tre Lamb has something going, even with quarterback Baylor Hayes missing Tulsa's Week 3 game.
Tulsa has a chance to add another Power Four win when it travels to face lowly Arkansas, which has nothing going for it right now.
8. Oregon State ⬆️ (last week: unranked)
- Last week: 52-17 win over Montana
- This week: at UTEP
Oregon State has a 1-2 record with its only win over FCS Montana in Week 3, but its quickly garnering a lot of excitement among fans. Atkinson beat out multi-year starter Maalik Murphy in the offseason, and for good reason, as he has 1,122 passing yards with eight touchdowns to an interception through three games this season.
True freshman receiver Jesse Legree is also making a name for himself, with 17 receptions for 476 yards (28 yards per catch) with four touchdowns so far.
Oregon State lost to Houston and Texas Tech to open the year but played both of the Big 12's better teams in close games. The Beavers are much improved after going 2-10 last season.
Schools dropped out: North Texas (6), UTSA (7)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Group of Six power rankings: New Mexico makes statement, JMU, NDSU on rise
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