Cannon Conquered, Heisman Hopefuls, and Championship Showdowns

As the college football regular season wrapped up, Week 14 delivered drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments. From UNLV’s hard-fought victory over Nevada to keep the Fremont Cannon, to Coastal Carolina’s continued dominance, this week was filled with high stakes and high emotions. The Mountain West and Sun Belt Conference races intensified, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as postseason fates were sealed and championship dreams were made—or shattered. Rivalry games, last-second heroics, and standout performances set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.

UNLV Edges Nevada 49-42 to Retain Fremont Cannon, Completes Perfect MWC Season

In an electrifying rivalry clash, UNLV once again claimed the Fremont Cannon, defeating Nevada 49-42 in a game full of wild momentum swings and costly mistakes. The Rebels improved to 11-1 (8-0 MWC), clinching their spot in the Mountain West Conference Championship, while Nevada finishes their season at 5-7 (4-4 MWC), narrowly missing out on bowl eligibility.

Turnovers Define the Outcome

This game had all the makings of a classic, with Nevada playing one of their best games of the season, locking down UNLV star quarterback Santi Melendez for much of the first half. However, in a game where the margin for error was razor-thin, turnovers ultimately decided the outcome. Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis threw for an impressive 396 yards and 4 touchdowns, but his 4 interceptions—two of which led directly to 14 UNLV points at the end of the first half—were fatal blows to the Wolfpack’s upset hopes.

On the flip side, Melendez wasn't perfect either, throwing 2 interceptions, but he made the critical plays when it mattered most. His 257 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, paired with 61 rushing yards and another score, helped the Rebels secure their fourth consecutive Fremont Cannon victory. Melendez's 42-yard pick-six from sophomore safety Kendrick Stark late in the first half proved to be a backbreaker for Nevada, giving UNLV a lead they would not relinquish.

Ashton Hayes: The Heart and Soul of Nevada

Nevada's offense was led by senior running back Ashton Hayes, who was the heart and soul of the team in this contest. He rushed for 99 yards and added 27 receiving yards, putting the Wolfpack on his back time and time again. If this was his final game in a Nevada uniform, he has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the program. As Coach Joey reflected after the game, "Ashton has been a warrior for us all season. He’s been the engine of our offense, and even though the outcome today wasn’t what we wanted, his impact will be felt here for years to come. We'll do everything in our power to bring him back next year."

Tyrone Howell was another standout for Nevada, hauling in 9 catches for 278 yards and 4 touchdowns, terrorizing the UNLV secondary throughout the game. Junior cornerback Julius Barnes-McGee gave the Wolfpack a glimmer of hope in the second half with a thrilling 62-yard pick-six, but Nevada’s turnovers ultimately doomed them.

Santi Melendez: Heisman Bound

Despite Nevada's best efforts to contain him, Melendez still made enough plays to secure the win, reminding everyone why he’s headed to New York as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. While true freshmen typically don’t win the award, Melendez’s incredible season and his ability to perform in clutch moments have earned him the invite. "Santi’s been incredible for us all year," said UNLV head coach Hayden. "He’s a special player, and his future in college football is incredibly bright."

Post-Game Reflections

For Nevada, it was a season of growth, even if the record didn’t show it. Coach Joey, emotional after the game, reflected on the team’s journey: "The progress is there—we’ve come so far since last season. We’re competing with the best teams in the conference, but we just couldn’t get over that final hump this year. It’s heartbreaking because I know how hard these guys have worked, but we’re not done. We’ll be back, stronger."

Despite the improvement and promise, Nevada’s season comes to a close, just one win shy of bowl eligibility. The Wolfpack’s future, however, looks brighter than it has in years, with Coach Joey’s leadership and a strong core of returning players providing hope for the 2026 season.

Looking Ahead

While Nevada’s season ends on a bittersweet note, UNLV marches forward, awaiting their opponent in the Mountain West Conference Championship. Coach Hayden is now 2-0 in Fremont Cannon matchups, and the Rebels continue their pursuit of a conference title with momentum on their side.

UNLV's Santi Melendez is set to represent his team on the national stage in New York at the Heisman ceremony. Though Tyler King and Mario Williams may be the frontrunners, Melendez's phenomenal freshman campaign will be remembered as one of the best in recent memory.

Wyoming Outlasts San Jose State 49-45 in Senior Day Shootout, Keeps Championship Hopes Alive

In a thrilling, back-and-forth affair, Wyoming sent its seniors off in style with a 49-45 victory over San Jose State, improving to 8-4 (6-2 MWC) on the season. The game was a track meet from start to finish, with both teams piling up yards and touchdowns at will. In the end, Wyoming's ability to capitalize on key turnovers and its relentless offensive attack carried the day, keeping their Mountain West Championship hopes alive.

Wyoming’s Defense Stands Tall in Key Moments

Despite the offensive fireworks, it was Wyoming's defense that made the crucial plays when it mattered most. San Jose State quarterback Adam Matthews was picked off three times, with senior cornerback Ian Bell securing two of those interceptions. Bell’s timely takeaways gave Wyoming the breathing room they needed in a game where one mistake could have been fatal.

A Memorable Senior Day for Svoboda and Scott

Senior quarterback Evan Svoboda, playing in his final game at Memorial Stadium, left it all on the field. Svoboda threw for an astounding 498 yards and 5 touchdowns, though his 3 interceptions kept the game tighter than expected. After the game, Svoboda reflected on his time in Laramie: "This place means the world to me. I’ve grown so much here, not just as a player, but as a person. Wyoming will always be home, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish my career in this stadium."

Running back Sam Scott, another senior playing his final game in front of the home crowd, also had a standout performance, rushing for 111 yards and 1 touchdown. Scott, known for his toughness and leadership, spoke fondly of his time at Wyoming: "There’s no place like Wyoming. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve loved every minute of it. These fans, this team—they’ve given me everything, and I’m proud to have been a part of this program."

Tyler King’s Historic Performance

While it was a day to celebrate the seniors, the spotlight was once again on junior wide receiver Tyler King, who delivered an unforgettable performance. King hauled in 10 catches for 463 yards and 5 touchdowns, in what was arguably the most dominant showing of his career. This game likely secured King as the first Heisman Trophy winner in Wyoming history, adding to his already legendary status.

The big question now looms: will Tyler King declare for the NFL Draft, or will he return to Wyoming and try to become the first back-to-back Heisman winner since Archie Griffin in 1974-1975? King has kept his decision close to the vest, but fans everywhere are holding their breath, hoping for one more year of his brilliance.

Championship Dreams Alive

Wyoming’s win keeps their Mountain West Championship hopes alive, though their fate isn’t entirely in their hands. They’ll be the biggest Hawai’i fans in the country next week, as the Rainbow Warriors take on Fresno State. If Fresno State loses, Wyoming should find themselves in the conference title game against UNLV, barring any unusual tie-breaker scenarios.

Looking Ahead

As the regular season draws to a close, Wyoming's players, coaches, and fans alike will be glued to the outcome of the Fresno State game. Whether or not they get the chance to compete for the Mountain West crown, the Cowboys have put together an impressive season, one that has showcased both their veteran leadership and the rise of their star in Tyler King.

USF Dominates UAB 56-17, Clinching 9th Win and Awaiting Bowl Game

USF ended their regular season in emphatic fashion with a 56-17 dismantling of UAB, improving to 9-3 (6-2 AAC). This game was all but over by the first quarter, as USF stormed out to a 42-3 lead, leaving UAB with little hope of mounting a comeback.

Defensive Domination from the Bulls

The USF defense was relentless, forcing UAB’s quarterback into 5 interceptions. Senior safety Shyheim Brown was everywhere on the field, recording 2 interceptions, including a 26-yard pick-six that set the tone early. The Bulls' defense smothered UAB all game long, only allowing the Blazers to put up 14 of their 17 points in garbage time during the fourth quarter.

Offensive Explosion Led by Byrum Brown and Jeyquan Smith

Quarterback Byrum Brown continued his strong play, throwing for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns, although he did have 2 interceptions. He also added 51 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability. With the game well in hand, sophomore backup Israel Carter got some reps and threw for 60 yards and a touchdown, adding to USF’s dominant performance.

The star of the show was Jeyquan Smith, who torched UAB's secondary for 248 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His explosive plays were instrumental in helping the Bulls blow the game wide open early.

Awaiting a Bowl Invitation

With this convincing win, USF will now eagerly await their bowl invitation, confident that they’ve earned a spot in a prominent game. Coach Doctor Bryan praised his team after the win: "I'm proud of the way our guys handled their business today. We knew we had to finish strong, and now we wait to see where we’re headed for the bowl season."

UNT Routs FAU 77-14, Clinching a Spot in AAC Championship Game

UNT wrapped up their regular season with a resounding 77-14 victory over FAU, improving to 10-2 (7-1 AAC). The game was briefly tied at 7-7 after the first quarter, but the Mean Green took control, leading 42-7 at halftime and never looked back, outscoring FAU 35-7 in the second half.

Booty’s Final Home Game and Offensive Onslaught

Senior quarterback General Booty, in his final home game at UNT, went out with a bang, throwing for 563 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Reflecting on his decision to transfer to Denton for his final season, Booty said, “It was the best decision of my career to come here and finish strong with this team. I’m grateful for the support, and it’s been an incredible ride.”

Zach Evans also had a day to remember, racking up 77 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 116 receiving yards and 2 more scores through the air. Evans is expected to receive an invite to the Heisman ceremony in New York, though it’s widely believed that while he’ll enjoy the experience, he likely won’t be taking home the hardware.

Wide receiver Nick Coffey was unstoppable, hauling in 12 catches for 221 yards and 4 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the UNT defense continued its ball-hawking ways, with sophomore cornerback Taylor Starling picking off 2 passes, including yet another pick-six. Starling has been on an incredible run with 5 interceptions and 3 pick-sixes in his last two games, emerging as a key playmaker down the stretch.

Looking Ahead to the AAC Championship Game

UNT's dominant win sets the stage for a showdown in the AAC Championship Game against Tulane. The game will essentially serve as a play-in game for the College Football Playoff, with both teams looking to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Tulane Cruises Past Charlotte, 42-20, to Clinch AAC Championship Berth

Tulane secured their spot in the AAC Championship Game with a convincing 42-20 victory over Charlotte, improving to 10-2 (8-0 AAC). The Green Wave continued their unbeaten run in conference play, dominating from start to finish to set up a showdown with UNT in the championship.

Offensive Efficiency and Defensive Strength

Tulane's offense was firing on all cylinders once again, with Ty Thompson leading the charge at quarterback, throwing for 355 yards and 4 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Mario Williams hauled in 8 catches for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Shaadie Clayton-Johnson rushed for 98 yards and a score.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tulane’s secondary picked off two passes, continuing to be one of the most opportunistic units in the AAC. Charlotte struggled to find any rhythm, and their two late-game touchdowns were too little, too late.

Looking Ahead to the AAC Championship Game

With the win, Tulane remains perfect in AAC play and will now face UNT in the AAC Championship Game. Like UNT, Tulane will be playing for more than just a conference title—this game serves as a de facto College Football Playoff play-in game, with the winner likely earning a spot in the final four.

Coastal Carolina Dominates Old Dominion, 60-21, Behind "The Vasko Experience"

Coastal Carolina wrapped up their regular season with a resounding 60-21 victory over Old Dominion, improving to 11-1 (7-1 SBC). The game featured everything Chanticleers fans have come to expect from Junior QB Ethan Vasko, as he threw for an eye-popping 596 yards, 6 touchdowns—and 6 interceptions. Locals in Conway, South Carolina, fondly refer to this kind of performance as "The Vasko Experience," a roller-coaster ride that can both dazzle and frustrate, often in equal measure.

Offensive Firepower Continues

Despite the turnovers, Coastal's offense dominated the game. Christian Washington contributed a balanced attack with 62 rushing yards on 17 attempts and a touchdown, while adding 50 receiving yards to his totals. However, it was tight end Cane Berrong who stole the show, reminding everyone why he is regarded as one of the best in the nation. Berrong had 11 catches for a monstrous 264 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving to be an unstoppable force all day.

Senior wide receiver Jameson Tucker also contributed with 111 receiving yards and a touchdown, solidifying Coastal's offensive dominance against Old Dominion.

Championship Hopes Still Alive

Coastal’s convincing win keeps them in the conversation for the Sun Belt Championship game, but they’ll need help from elsewhere to secure their spot. As of this writing, they need Arkansas State to beat Marshall and some help from the conference's tie-breaking system to keep their title hopes alive. Regardless of the outcome, Coastal has shown that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt.

South Alabama Closes Regular Season with 32-13 Victory Over Louisiana

South Alabama finished their regular season on a high note, defeating Louisiana 32-13 to improve to 10-2 (6-2 SBC). Senior Night was filled with emotion as the Jaguars secured the win behind a balanced offensive performance and strong leadership from their upperclassmen. Quarterback Bishop Davenport led the way with 308 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, while senior running back Kentrel Bullock fought his way to 62 hard-earned rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 24 carries.

Bullock Reflects on Senior Night and Overcoming Injury

For Bullock, the night was especially poignant. After battling back from what many thought would be a season-ending injury earlier in the year, the senior running back expressed his deep gratitude for being able to play his final game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Reflecting on the emotions of Senior Night, Bullock shared:

*"This place means everything to me. When I got injured, I thought that was it—I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to step on this field again. But to be out here tonight, in front of my teammates, coaches, and fans, it’s a blessing beyond words."*

Bullock continued, discussing the support he received during his recovery:

*"South Alabama has been my family for the last few years. The love, the support, and the fight they showed to help me get back on the field, I’ll never forget that. Tonight, I just wanted to give everything I had for this team and this community."*

Eager's Big Night

Wide receiver Anthony Eager also made his presence felt, catching 12 passes for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns. Eager was a reliable target all night for Davenport and helped the Jaguars maintain control of the game from start to finish.

Bowl Game Awaiting

With the regular season now behind them, South Alabama will turn their attention to their upcoming bowl game. While their opponent is still to be determined, the Jaguars can be confident heading into the postseason, riding the momentum of another solid performance.

Troy Edges Out JMU in 39-37 Thriller to Secure 8th Win of the Season

Troy finished the regular season with a heart-pounding 39-37 victory over James Madison, moving to 8-4 (6-2 SBC) in a game that came down to the final moments. The Trojans fought through adversity in this back-and-forth battle, holding off JMU's late surge to secure the win and continue their impressive season turnaround.

Offensive Leaders Shine

Senior quarterback Tucker Kilcrease threw for 280 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions but remained calm under pressure in the critical moments. Meanwhile, senior running back Damien Taylor carried the Trojans with 133 rushing yards on 25 carries, his leadership and determination evident throughout the contest.

Reflecting on his time at Troy, Taylor spoke emotionally about the bond he’s formed with the team and Coach Khail:

*"Troy is home. It’s more than just football here. The relationships, the brotherhood—it’s something I’ll carry with me forever. Coach Khail has been more than just a coach; he’s been a mentor. He’s pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the field, and I owe so much to him for the man I’ve become."*

Wide receiver Peyton Higgins also played a significant role, hauling in 8 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Higgins, who had entered the transfer portal before Coach Khail's arrival, expressed his gratitude for the second chance:

*"What makes Troy special is the family atmosphere. When I entered the portal, I wasn’t sure what the future held, but Coach Khail sat me down and showed me what this program could become. I’m thankful he believed in me and gave me the chance to be a part of something special."*

Coach Khail Reflects on Team's Resilience

After a rough 2024 season and an 0-2 start to this year, rumors began swirling about Coach Khail’s future at Troy. However, the Trojans never wavered, and under his leadership, they turned the season around.

Coach Khail reflected on the journey after the game:

*"We heard the noise. We knew what people were saying, but I always believed in these guys, and they believed in each other. Starting 0-2 wasn’t easy, but this team showed their heart. We stuck together, fought through adversity, and now here we are, finishing 8-4. I couldn’t be prouder of these guys, and to say that I’m no longer on the hot seat? Well, that’s a testament to the fight and resilience of this team."*

Bowl Bound

Troy will now await their bowl game assignment, with Coach Khail and the Trojans carrying momentum into the postseason after an impressive second half of the season. This team has proven they are capable of competing with anyone, and they are eager to show that in their upcoming bowl game.

Texas State Falls to Georgia State in Heartbreaking OT Loss on Senior Night, 20-17

In a game that will be remembered for its grit and emotional highs, Texas State came up just short against Georgia State, losing 20-17 in overtime on Senior Night. The Bobcats finished the season at 2-10 (1-7 SBC), but the final record doesn’t tell the full story of a team that was just a few plays away from turning the tide.

A Tough Night for the Bobcats’ Offense

Quarterback PJ Hatter struggled to find any rhythm in the passing game, finishing with just 19 passing yards and an interception. The offense leaned heavily on senior running back Lincoln Pare, who fought valiantly with 33 carries for 159 rushing yards in his final game.

Despite his strong performance, Pare was heartbroken after the game, feeling the weight of the loss on his shoulders:

*"I feel like I let the fans down. I gave everything I had, but it just wasn’t enough tonight. Coach Uncle Matt has meant so much to me, and I wanted to win this one for him, for the team, for the fans. We fought hard, and I’ll always be grateful for what this program has done for me."*

Senior receiver Kole Wilson contributed with 4 catches for 19 yards in his final game but, like many on the team, couldn’t help the Bobcats push over the finish line in this close contest.

Heartbreak Off the Field for Senior Star

Senior running back Torrance Burgess Jr., who was unable to play due to injury, watched from the sidelines as his team battled through adversity. Burgess was clearly upset after the game, not just because he couldn’t contribute on Senior Night, but also because of the doubt surrounding Coach Uncle Matt.

In an impassioned post-game message, Burgess stood up for his coach:

*"It crushed me to not be out there with my brothers tonight. But to all the people who doubt Coach Uncle Matt, y'all don’t see what he’s building here. We’ve been in every fight, and we’re inches away from being on top. He’s the right man for this job, and we’re going to come back stronger because of his leadership. Don’t count him out. Don’t count us out."*

A Season of Near Misses

Texas State’s record may not reflect the progress made under Coach Uncle Matt’s leadership. The Bobcats lost four one-score games this season, including this heartbreaker in overtime. While the losses pile up in the win-loss column, they don’t tell the full story of a team that is just a few key plays away from turning the corner.

Credit must be given to Coach Uncle Matt for his ability to adapt. As injuries mounted and the passing game struggled, he leaned into the strength of the team—focusing on defense and a ground-and-pound rushing attack. The Bobcats were competitive, and while the wins didn’t come, the effort and resilience were undeniable.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Texas State will not make a bowl game, but Coach Uncle Matt remains optimistic about the future. In his post-game remarks, he emphasized the importance of staying the course and continuing to build the foundation that has been laid:

*"We’ve been in these games. We’ve fought hard, and the margins are small. We have to improve, and we will. This season showed us what we’re capable of, and I’m committed to making sure we take that next step in 2026. The fans deserve it, and this program deserves it."*

With the focus now shifting to the offseason, Coach Uncle Matt will look to retool the roster and continue building a team that can compete in the Sun Belt. Despite the challenges of 2025, the Bobcats have a leader who believes in the process and in his players. And if Texas State can improve its ability to finish games, the future may be brighter than the record suggests.

We are currently waiting for the results for Arkansas State and ECU in their Week 14 matchups. Top 25 and Power Rankings will be updated once the games are completed.

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Arkansas State Finishes Regular Season Undefeated with 56-28 Victory Over Marshall

Arkansas State closed out their regular season with a dominant 56-28 win over Marshall, improving to a perfect 12-0 (9-0 Sun Belt) and setting up a rematch in the Sun Belt Championship game against the Thundering Herd.

First Half: Tight Contest, Special Teams Spark

The game started off as a competitive battle, with Arkansas State holding a slim 28-21 lead at halftime. The Red Wolves relied on their special teams to create separation, as Tennel Bryant and Parris Bowden each returned kickoffs for touchdowns—Bryant's for 94 yards and Bowden's for 93 yards. These electrifying plays helped maintain the momentum when the offense struggled to find its rhythm.

Raynor Struggles but Finds a Way

Jaylen Raynor faced heavy pressure all game, getting sacked seven times, which contributed to a below-average passing day for the star quarterback. Raynor threw for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns but was still able to make an impact on the ground, rushing for 41 yards and 2 more scores, displaying his dual-threat ability.

Ja'Quez Cross and McCrumby Step Up

Ja'Quez Cross continued to be the workhorse for the Red Wolves’ offense, rushing for 160 yards on 19 carries, adding a touchdown to his stellar season total. Cross’s ability to find holes in the Marshall defense was key to controlling the clock and keeping Arkansas State in command.

Senior tight end Miller McCrumby, making his season debut, provided a spark in the passing game, leading the team with 50 receiving yards on 3 catches. His presence could become even more valuable heading into the conference championship.

Arkansas State Pulls Away

Despite being in a close game at halftime, Arkansas State pulled away in the second half, outscoring Marshall 28-7. The defense clamped down, preventing Marshall from mounting any serious comeback attempts. As the Red Wolves built their lead, they leaned on Cross to grind out the clock, and their defense forced Marshall into mistakes to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Arkansas State’s undefeated season has earned them a spot in the Sun Belt Championship game, where they will face Marshall once again. Coach Khail has emphasized that his team will need to address the pass protection issues, as Raynor won’t be able to withstand that kind of pressure moving forward. Arkansas State opens as 14-point favorites in the rematch, with the over/under set at 59.5 points.

ECU Closes Season with 21-7 Win Over Army, Finishes 5-7

ECU wrapped up their season with a solid 21-7 victory over Army, finishing the year at 5-7 overall and 2-6 in AAC play. The Pirates relied on their defense and a balanced offensive attack to secure the win, bringing a positive end to an otherwise challenging season.

Defensive Domination

ECU's defense set the tone early, holding Army's triple-option attack in check and preventing the Black Knights from generating any significant momentum. The Pirates forced Army into multiple turnovers, which allowed ECU to control the game from start to finish.

Offense Shows Balance

Quarterback Jake Garcia threw for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns, efficiently leading the offense in his final game of the season. Freshman running back Javious Bond was a key contributor on the ground, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, consistently moving the chains and keeping the Army defense on its heels.

Senior receiver Kylo Hurst, playing in his final collegiate game, had a standout performance with 7 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, leaving a lasting impact on the Pirate program.

Looking to the Future

Despite falling short of bowl eligibility, ECU showed resilience in their final games, and this victory over Army provides some optimism heading into the offseason. Coach Mike Peach is expected to make key adjustments to improve the Pirates' standing in the AAC in 2026.

Conference Championship Matchups

Sun Belt: Arkansas State vs. Marshall

American Athletic: UNT vs. Tulane

Mountain West Conference: Fresno State vs. UNLV

CFP Top 25

#5 Arkansas State

#7 UNLV

#10 Tulane

#14 UNT

#16 Coastal Carolina

#22 USF

#25 South Alabama

Week 15 Power Rankings

1. Arkansas State (12-0)

Dominant win over Marshall and gearing up for the Sun Belt Championship. They remain the team to beat.

2. Coastal Carolina (11-1)

Another impressive season with a dynamic offense. They're hoping to cap off their strong season with a championship bid.

3. South Alabama (10-2)

A strong finish to the regular season. Bowl game is next, but recruiting concerns loom as they prepare for the future.

4. UNLV (11-1)

Santi Melendez leads this explosive team into the MWC Championship. Can they finish the season strong?

5. Tulane (10-2)

Future AAC champs? They’ve been dominant all season and now face UNT in a potential playoff play-in game.

6. UNT (10-2)

A high-powered offense continues to shine, but their defense has been a major concern. A big test awaits in the AAC Championship.

7. Troy (8-4)

A solid rebound after a tough start to the season. Coach Khail has this team poised for a good bowl run.

8. Wyoming (8-4)

Tyler King's Heisman push has put Wyoming back in the spotlight. They close the season strong, heading for a big bowl game.

9. USF (9-3)

Finishing the season strong, USF is looking to make a splash in their upcoming bowl game.

10. Nevada (5-7)

A hard-fought season with improvements under Coach Joey. The future looks brighter despite missing out on a bowl game.

11. ECU (5-7)

A win against Army to close out the season, but it wasn’t enough to push the Pirates into bowl eligibility.

12. Texas State (2-10)

Coach Uncle Matt's team fought hard but couldn't pull off enough wins. However, they showed progress and resilience late in the season.