Heartbreak in Triple Overtime: Wyoming Falls in the Border War

As Week 10 of the season wraps up, the intensity of conference play has taken center stage, bringing thrilling finishes, unexpected upsets, and standout performances across the board. From heart-pounding triple-overtime showdowns to dominant displays of firepower, the action did not disappoint. With championship aspirations on the line, every game held weight, and teams across the country rose—or crumbled—under the pressure. Here's a look at the highs and lows of an unforgettable week of college football.

Texas State Falls to Notre Dame 35-13, Drops to 1-7 (0-4 SBC)

Despite their efforts to hang tough with the Fighting Irish, Texas State couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities in a hard-fought game. Notre Dame proved too much to handle in the second half, pulling away for a 35-13 victory. The Bobcats had multiple chances to cut into the lead, but their inability to convert on big plays and missed opportunities proved costly.

Texas State’s Struggles Continue

Quarterback PJ Hatter’s struggles remain a theme for the Bobcats, as he threw for just 81 yards, no touchdowns, and 2 costly interceptions. The Bobcat faithful hoped for a bounce-back performance, but Hatter continues to falter under pressure. On a brighter note, senior running back Lincoln Pare made an unexpected impact, rushing for 93 yards on 17 carries, providing a spark in an otherwise difficult game for Texas State’s offense.

Defensive Efforts in Vain

Texas State's defense once again did everything in their power to keep the team competitive, creating stops and opportunities for the offense to close the gap. Unfortunately, the Bobcat offense was unable to capitalize on the defense’s strong play, leaving the unit frustrated and the coaching staff questioning if changes need to be made at the quarterback position.

Betting Recap & Analysis

The Bobcats entered as 21-point underdogs and managed to cover the spread, much to the surprise of many bettors. The over/under was set at 48.5, and with a total of 48 points scored, the under cashed by the slimmest of margins. The Bobcats’ inability to convert key plays was not a shock to anyone familiar with their season-long offensive struggles.

Post-Game Remarks

In the post-game press conference, Coach Uncle Matt expressed his frustration with the outcome but acknowledged the team’s resilience.

"We had chances, no doubt about it. But in this league, it’s all about capitalizing on the opportunities you get. We didn’t do that today, and it cost us."

When asked about the quarterback situation, Coach Uncle Matt hinted at possible changes:

"PJ’s struggling, there’s no way around it. We need to sit down and evaluate what’s best for this team moving forward. I can’t say anything definitive, but everything’s on the table."

Looking ahead, Texas State will face UL Monroe in Week 11, hoping to break out of their current slump.

#14 Arkansas State Dominates UL Monroe 70-34, Remains Undefeated at 8-0 (4-0 SBC)

Arkansas State continues to prove themselves as one of the top teams in the Sun Belt, dismantling UL Monroe in a lopsided 70-34 victory. The Red Wolves controlled the game from start to finish, outgaining the Warhawks by an incredible 662 to 337 yards and holding them to just 30 rushing yards on the day.

Jaylen Raynor’s Rollercoaster Day

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor had a stat line that has come to be expected from him—impressive yet chaotic. Raynor threw for 457 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, adding 115 rushing yards and 2 more touchdowns on the ground. However, the turnovers continue to be an issue, as Raynor also fumbled the ball once. Despite the mistakes, his playmaking ability overwhelmed UL Monroe, with standout performances from his supporting cast.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

Running back Ja'Quez Cross had a strong game, rushing for 90 yards while also contributing 122 receiving yards and a touchdown. Jayvion Showers was a force in the passing game, racking up 151 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, helping Arkansas State pull away in the second half. The Red Wolves continue to be a nightmare for opposing defenses, with an arsenal of offensive weapons that keeps them in the national spotlight.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Arkansas State easily covered the spread as 35-point favorites, and the over/under of 74 was surpassed comfortably, with both teams combining for 104 points. Jaylen Raynor's stat line continues to both excite and frustrate bettors, as his high-risk, high-reward style leads to explosive plays but also costly turnovers.

Post-Game Remarks

After the game, Coach Bryan acknowledged both the team’s dominance and the concerns surrounding Raynor’s turnovers:

"Jaylen is one of the most dynamic players in college football, but we can’t keep giving the ball away like that. We’re winning games, but we need to clean up the mistakes if we want to compete at the highest level."

Looking ahead, Arkansas State will face Old Dominion in a high-stakes rematch game that knocked the Red Wolves out of the playoffs last season. The anticipation is already building for what could be their biggest test of the season.

Nevada Holds Off New Mexico 24-21 to Improve to 3-5 (2-2 MWC)

Nevada continues to fight for bowl eligibility with a close win over New Mexico, relying on key red zone efficiency to secure a 24-21 victory. The Wolfpack came through with a 100% red zone scoring efficiency, while New Mexico struggled at just 66%, which ultimately made the difference in this tight matchup.

Brendon Lewis Protects the Ball

Quarterback Brendon Lewis, who has struggled with turnovers this season, played a clean game for the Wolfpack, throwing for 190 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing touchdown to his stat line. This marked a rare outing where Lewis was able to avoid the costly mistakes that have plagued Nevada’s season. His ball security proved critical in what was a back-and-forth contest.

Key Performances

Running back Ashton Hayes once again showed why he’s a key cog in Nevada’s offense, rushing for 128 yards and setting the tone on the ground. Tight end Hayden George had a breakout performance, making his two catches count for 61 yards and a crucial touchdown, which helped Nevada hold on to their narrow lead late in the game.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Nevada covered as 2.5-point underdogs, pulling off the upset, and the game total of 45 points fell just short of the over/under set at 48. Lewis' turnover-free performance went against the usual prop betting trends that have favored him throwing an interception, causing a shake-up for bettors.

Post-Game Remarks

Coach Joey praised his team’s efficiency and ball control in this narrow victory, saying:

"We’ve been preaching ball security all week, and it was the difference today. We executed in the red zone and didn’t give them extra opportunities, which was huge. We know we have to keep improving, but today was a step in the right direction."

Looking ahead, Nevada will travel to face Fresno State in Week 11, hoping to build on their momentum as they push toward potential bowl eligibility.

UNT Overcomes Turnovers to Defeat UTSA 45-32, Moves to 7-1 (4-0 AAC)

In a game that could have been an even larger blowout, UNT managed to hold off UTSA despite several turnovers, improving to 7-1 overall and remaining undefeated in conference play. General Booty threw three costly interceptions, but the Mean Green defense and star performances from key players helped secure the victory.

General Booty's Up and Down Day

Booty’s day was a mixed bag, throwing for 357 yards and 4 touchdowns, but his 3 interceptions directly led to 21 points for the Roadrunners, keeping the game closer than it might have been. Senior cornerbacks Denver Harris and Zach Morris both returned interceptions for touchdowns—Harris with a 72-yard pick-six and Morris with a 91-yard return. Harris added another interception, but it set up a UTSA touchdown, marking a rollercoaster day for the UNT quarterback.

Zach Evans and Nick Coffey Shine

Junior running back Zach Evans played a crucial role, rushing for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also adding 117 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Freshman tight end Nick Coffey delivered a breakout performance with 126 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, further cementing his place as a key piece of the UNT offense.

UNT Defense Stifles the Run

While UNT's turnovers kept the game close, the defense completely shut down UTSA's run game, holding the Roadrunners to an incredible -15 rushing yards on the day. This defensive dominance was critical in securing the victory despite the turnovers.

Betting Recap & Analysis

UNT was 9.5-point favorites, and despite the turnovers, they managed to cover the spread. The over/under was set at 58.5 points, and the combined score of 77 easily hit the over. Prop bets for General Booty’s passing yards cashed, but his interceptions also made the game more interesting for bettors looking for turnover props.

Post-Game Remarks

Coach Jake spoke about General Booty’s day, stating:

"We need to clean up the turnovers, no doubt, but our guys responded. This team has heart, and they showed it today. Zach Evans and Nick Coffey stepped up big time, and our defense played lights out in the run game. We know what we need to work on heading into Tulsa."

UNT will look to maintain their AAC dominance as they travel to Tulsa in Week 11.

UNLV Rolls Over San Diego State 77-17, Moves to 7-1 (4-0 MWC)

For the second week in a row, UNLV dominated the second half, this time shutting out San Diego State 42-0 after halftime. The Rebels' potent offense and suffocating defense lifted them to an impressive 77-17 victory, solidifying their place as the top contender in the Mountain West.

Santi Melendez Continues His MVP-Caliber Run

UNLV’s superstar quarterback Santi Melendez once again delivered a jaw-dropping performance, throwing for 552 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception while also adding 83 rushing yards and another touchdown. His electric play is solidifying him as a true Heisman candidate, especially with the Rebels’ success in conference play.

Corey Thompson Jr. and Jeremiah Noga Steal the Show

Wide receiver Corey Thompson Jr. made the most of his two receptions, scoring 2 touchdowns and racking up 131 receiving yards. Jeremiah Noga also had a career day, hauling in 126 yards and 3 touchdowns. With these weapons at Melendez’s disposal, it’s clear UNLV’s offense is one of the most dangerous in the country.

Dominating Defense

The Rebels' defense forced San Diego State quarterback AJ Duffy into 5 interceptions, shutting down any hopes of a comeback. The second half shutout marked the second consecutive week where UNLV stifled their opponent’s offense after halftime. The defense continues to be the unsung hero of this Rebels team, complementing their high-powered offense.

Betting Recap & Analysis

UNLV entered the game as 21.5-point favorites and easily covered the spread with their dominant performance. The over/under was set at 63.5 points, and the combined score of 94 easily surpassed that mark. Santi Melendez’s passing yards and touchdowns props also cashed big, proving bettors were right to trust the UNLV offense.

Post-Game Remarks

In the post-game press conference, Coach Will Hayden praised the team’s all-around performance:

"This is a special group. Santi is playing at an elite level, and our defense stepped up big today. Forcing five turnovers and shutting them out in the second half shows our versatility. We’re locked in for Boise State next week."

Melendez, when asked about his Heisman campaign and performance, said:

"I’m just focused on winning games. All the individual stuff will come if we keep playing like this. Boise State’s next, and that’s all that matters."

UNLV will travel to Boise State next week for another critical MWC matchup.

Tulane Powers Past Rice 70-42, Moves to 6-2 (4-0 AAC)

Despite a late surge by Rice that made the final score look closer than the game truly was, Tulane dominated from the start and cruised to a 70-42 victory. A massive performance from quarterback Ty Thompson led the Green Wave to their sixth win of the season and kept them undefeated in AAC play.

Ty Thompson and Mario Williams Set Records

Ty Thompson put on a quarterback clinic, throwing for an incredible 671 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He spread the ball around, but it was Mario Williams who stole the show with a historic receiving performance. Williams finished the day with 10 receptions, an astounding 408 yards, and 6 touchdowns, proving why he’s one of the most feared wide receivers in college football.

Williams' performance will go down in Tulane lore, as he single-handedly outgained Rice's offense until the fourth quarter. Ty Thompson's 9 touchdown passes also continue to boost his Heisman profile as he marches Tulane toward AAC supremacy.

Caleb Ransaw Anchors the Defense

On the defensive side, senior safety Caleb Ransaw was a standout, tallying 12 tackles and an interception to keep the Green Wave’s defense in control for most of the game. While Rice did score 28 points in the fourth quarter, Tulane had already done enough damage by that point to cruise to a comfortable win.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Tulane entered as 24.5-point favorites and covered the spread in dominant fashion until Rice’s late-game push. However, bettors who took Tulane to cover still cashed in. The over/under was set at 72.5 points, and the combined score of 112 blew past that number, rewarding those who anticipated an offensive shootout. Ty Thompson’s passing yards and touchdown props were easily surpassed, while Mario Williams’ receiving yards prop was another easy win for bettors.

Post-Game Remarks

After the game, Coach Fran praised his team’s offensive explosion while acknowledging areas for improvement:

"Ty and Mario had unreal performances today. We’ve got some things to clean up defensively, especially in that fourth quarter, but we’ll tighten it up for Memphis next week."

Ty Thompson commented on his record-setting day:

"I just trust my guys, and they make plays. Mario’s a beast, and when you’ve got weapons like that, it makes my job a lot easier. Now, we’re locked in for Memphis."

Tulane will head to Memphis in Week 11 for a crucial AAC matchup.

Wyoming Falls in Triple OT Heartbreaker to Colorado State, 48-46 in Border War

In one of the most gut-wrenching finishes of the season, Wyoming lost a thrilling 48-46 contest in triple overtime to archrival Colorado State, relinquishing both the Bronze Boot and the Border War crown. With Wyoming now sitting at 5-3 (3-1 MWC), the defeat stings even more due to how close the Cowboys came to victory.

A Game of Inches—and Heartbreak

Wyoming had the game within their grasp. Leading by a touchdown in double overtime, the Cowboys needed just one final stop on 4th and 10 to seal the win and keep the Bronze Boot in Laramie. But Colorado State, refusing to go down quietly, converted the desperation play and scored the game-tying touchdown to force a third overtime, sending shockwaves through the Cowboy faithful.

The final blow came in triple OT. After Wyoming was stopped a yard short of the end zone, Colorado State ran a jet sweep on their final play to score the walk-off touchdown, clinching the Bronze Boot and breaking Wyoming’s hearts in the process.

Offensive Fireworks Not Enough

Despite the loss, Evan Svoboda and Tyler King delivered stellar performances. Svoboda threw for 275 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing his composure in a high-pressure environment. But it was King who stood out, hauling in an incredible 12 receptions for 258 yards and 4 touchdowns. His dazzling performance gave Wyoming every chance to win, but the heartbreak came down to a yard.

Sam Scott, coming off weeks of limited touches, shouldered the load in the backfield, rushing for 157 yards on 29 carries, providing a much-needed boost to the offense. His contributions weren’t enough to fend off the Rams, however, as Wyoming was left agonizingly short.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Wyoming entered as 4.5-point favorites, and while they couldn’t secure the win, the thrilling contest exceeded expectations for drama. The over/under was set at 58.5 points, and the final combined score of 94 shattered that mark. Wyoming bettors hoping for a late stop or conversion in triple OT were left disappointed, and those who took Colorado State outright walked away with a big win.

Post-Game Remarks

An emotional Coach Joey addressed the media after the game:

"This one hurts. We fought, we battled, and we were right there. We’ve got to be better in key moments, but I’m proud of our guys’ effort. We’ll regroup and come back stronger."

Wyoming will look to bounce back next week as they travel to Hawai'i for the Paniolo Trophy. The Cowboys will be eager to reclaim their momentum in the wake of this devastating loss.

Bulls Crush Tulsa, 42-7, as Defense Dominates

In a commanding performance, USF routed Tulsa 42-7 to improve to 5-3 (2-2 AAC), sending a clear message that the Bulls are finding their stride as the season progresses. USF’s defense stifled Tulsa’s offense, holding them to just 151 total yards and forcing two key interceptions.

Relentless Defense Sets the Tone

The Bulls' defense was the driving force behind the win, limiting Tulsa to only 108 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. Junior quarterback Cardell Williams struggled to find any rhythm, thanks in large part to USF’s secondary, which came away with two interceptions. The defense’s ability to shut down Tulsa's offense allowed USF to control the tempo from the outset.

Byrum Brown Shines in Bounce-Back Game

After some up-and-down performances earlier in the season, Byrum Brown put together a strong showing, completing 66% of his passes for 213 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Brown added another 115 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, making him a dual-threat weapon that Tulsa couldn’t contain.

Alvon Isaac wasn’t a major factor in the run game, but he made his presence felt as a receiver, racking up 112 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Jeyquan Smith also contributed with 94 receiving yards, helping keep the Bulls’ offense balanced.

Betting Recap & Analysis

USF entered the game as 9.5-point favorites and covered the spread with ease, thanks to their dominant defensive performance and efficient offense. The over/under was set at 54.5 points, and although the final combined score reached 49, bettors who took the under came out on top.

Post-Game Remarks

Coach Doctor Bryan was upbeat in his post-game comments:

“We’ve been looking for that kind of complete performance all season. The defense showed up, Byrum bounced back, and our guys executed in all three phases. Now we’ve got to carry this momentum forward.”

USF will look to build on this dominant win as they host Charlotte next week, aiming to keep their winning streak alive.

Coastal Carolina Triumphs Over Georgia State in SBC Barn Burner, 51-46

In a thrilling matchup that saw the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers edge out Georgia State, Coastal now sits at 7-1 (4-1 SBC) and remains firmly in the hunt for Sun Belt supremacy. The game, a back-and-forth battle marked by quarterback changes, turnovers, and explosive plays, kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Quarterback Carousel: Vasko Shines, Fokou Struggles

Ethan Vasko and Koke Fokou split snaps under center, continuing the quarterback controversy from last week. After leading Coastal to a dramatic victory last week, Fokou struggled, throwing for just 69 yards and 3 costly interceptions. Vasko, however, justified Coach Jacob’s decision to keep faith in him, throwing for 389 yards, 3 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Despite the turnover struggles, Vasko's performance helped Coastal maintain control of the game.

Georgia State capitalized on the mistakes, with Jaylen Jones returning an interception for a touchdown and Jacorrei Turner taking another 40 yards to set up a score. The defensive miscues kept the Panthers in the game, turning Coastal’s turnovers into 14 points.

Christian Washington and the Ground Game Take Over

When it came time to close out the game, Coastal turned to Christian Washington, who continues to be the heart and soul of the team. Rushing for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns, Washington also added 47 receiving yards to his stat line. His ability to take over in crucial moments has been a season-long storyline for the Chanticleers.

Senior receiver Jameson Tucker had a standout performance with 7 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown, while De’Andre Coleman added 10 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. Georgia State effectively shut down usual stars like Matt Sauer and Cane Berrong, demonstrating a strong game plan that kept the Coastal offense in check for stretches of the game.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Coastal Carolina entered as 7-point favorites, and while they failed to cover the spread, they did manage to pull out the win in a high-scoring affair. The over/under was set at 62.5 points, and the final score of 97 points easily hit the over, delivering a wild finish for those betting on total points.

Defensive Woes Persist

While Coastal’s offense continues to shine, their defense remains a concern. Coastal Carolina has allowed the most points in the Sun Belt East and is giving up an average of 33.6 points per game. The team’s reliance on high-powered offense has put considerable pressure on Vasko and Washington to carry the load each week.

Next week, Coastal Carolina will face their toughest test yet as they travel to Mobile to take on undefeated South Alabama in a game that promises to be a highlight of the Sun Belt season.

Post-Game Remarks

After the game, Coach Jacob expressed his relief at the win but acknowledged the ongoing struggles on defense:

“We’ve got to clean things up. Giving up points like that isn’t sustainable, but credit to our guys for fighting through. Ethan [Vasko] showed a lot of composure today.”

Christian Washington also chimed in:

“When the game is on the line, I just want the ball. I trust my line, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win.”

Troy Dominates Louisiana 63-24, Moves to 6-3 (4-1 SBC)

In yet another overwhelming first-half performance, Troy dismantled the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns with a 42-10 lead at halftime, cruising to a 63-24 victory. The Trojans now sit at 6-3 (4-1 SBC), firmly in the mix for Sun Belt contention. This game was a defensive masterpiece, with Troy forcing an astounding 8 interceptions, including 6 from former Texas State QB TJ Finley.

Defensive Showdown: Cole Abreu’s Breakout Performance

The story of the game was freshman Free Safety Cole Abreu, who put on an absolute clinic. He recorded 8 tackles and an astonishing 4 interceptions, turning the field into his playground! As if that wasn't enough, Abreu took 2 of those interceptions back for pick-sixes, electrifying the crowd and putting the game out of reach early. What a day for the former 5-star from Raleigh, North Carolina, who had the kind of breakout game players dream of!

Troy’s defense was relentless, and Abreu led the charge, frustrating Louisiana’s offense at every turn. It was a performance for the ages, as Abreu seemed to be everywhere, always in the right place at the right time, dismantling any hope of a Cajun comeback.

Troy’s defensive unit capitalized on every mistake, with backup QB Samari Collier throwing 2 additional interceptions, rounding out a total of 8 on the day—a staggering number that sent shockwaves through the Sun Belt.

Offensive Efficiency Shines

While the defense was stealing the spotlight, Troy’s offense kept rolling with another impressive display. Tucker Kilcrease threw for 353 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, adding a rushing touchdown to his stat line. Damien Taylor was a workhorse in the backfield, carrying the ball 24 times for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Peyton Higgins continued his stellar season, adding 130 receiving yards as he inches closer to Troy’s single-season receiving yards record. Devonte Ross chipped in with 90 receiving yards and a touchdown, providing balance to the Trojan attack.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Troy entered the game as 10.5-point favorites, and they easily covered the spread with their dominant showing. The over/under was set at 58 points, and the final score of 87 blew that mark out of the water. Bettors backing Troy walked away happy as the Trojans rolled.

Post-Game Remarks

Coach Khail, beaming with pride, spoke about the team's defensive performance:

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen 8 interceptions in a game like that. It was something special, and Cole [Abreu] was absolutely phenomenal today.”

Freshman Cole Abreu, coming off his breakout game, had this to say:

“Every time I saw the ball, I just knew I had to go get it. My teammates put me in the right spots, and I’m just glad I could help the team.”

Looking Ahead

Troy will look to continue their momentum as they travel to Southern Miss in Week 11, where they’ll hope to solidify their position atop the Sun Belt standings.

ECU Falls to Temple 10-7, Drops to 3-5 (0-4 AAC)

ECU’s struggles in AAC play continued as they dropped a heartbreaking 10-7 contest to Temple, falling to 3-5 overall and 0-4 in conference play. The Pirates simply couldn't get their offense going, and despite a late push, their season-long woes on third down and inefficiency in the passing game were too much to overcome.

Offensive Struggles Continue

Jake Garcia had a tough outing, throwing for just 168 yards, a touchdown, and completing only 39% of his passes. ECU’s passing game sputtered from the start, as Garcia seemed out of sync with his receivers for much of the game. While he connected with Kylo Hurst for a 4-yard touchdown late in the second quarter, the Pirates never found the rhythm they needed to move the chains consistently.

Freshman receiver Daniel Clark showed flashes of potential with 3 catches for 62 yards, including a big 33-yard reception that looked like it could spark the offense, but the Pirates couldn’t capitalize. Javious Bond led the ground game with 57 yards on 12 carries, but the lack of offensive balance and poor execution on third down prevented ECU from sustaining drives.

Defensive Fight in Vain

The Pirate defense did what it could to keep the game within reach, holding Temple to just 10 points and creating opportunities for the offense. But, ECU's inability to finish drives and missed opportunities proved to be their downfall.

Betting Recap & Analysis

Temple entered the game as slight 2.5-point favorites, and while both teams struggled offensively, they managed to cover the spread with their narrow victory. The over/under was set at 44.5 points, and with a combined 17 points, the game was an easy under.

Post-Game Remarks

Coach Mike Peach addressed the media after the game, clearly frustrated by his team’s continued offensive issues:

"We need to be better, plain and simple. Our defense is giving us every opportunity to win, but we’ve got to execute on offense. It's disappointing.”

Looking Ahead

ECU will look to snap their losing streak as they travel to Navy in Week 11. With hopes of salvaging the season still alive, the Pirates need a turnaround to avoid falling further in AAC play.

CFP Top 25

#9 South Alabama 8-0

#13 Arkansas State 8-0

#14 Tulane 6-2

#16 UNT 7-1

#17 UNLV 7-1

Week 11 Power Rankings:

1. South Alabama (8-0, 4-0 SBC)

   Undefeated and dominant. Kentrel Bullock’s return strengthens their title hopes, making them the clear frontrunners in the Sun Belt.

   
   

2. Arkansas State (8-0, 4-0 SBC)

   Jaylen Raynor’s explosive, albeit turnover-heavy, performances keep Arkansas State at the top. A high-risk, high-reward approach.

   
   

3. UNLV (7-1, 4-0 MWC)

   Santi Melendez’s dynamic play keeps UNLV surging in the Mountain West. If they limit turnovers, they could run away with the conference.

   
   

4. Tulane (6-2, 4-0 AAC)

   Tulane is heating up at the right time. Ty Thompson and Mario Williams have this team poised for a strong finish in the AAC.

   
   

5. Coastal Carolina (7-1, 4-1 SBC)

   Coastal's offense remains potent, but defensive issues continue to raise concerns. Still very much in the Sun Belt race.

   
   

6. UNT (7-1, 4-0 AAC)

   Despite General Booty’s turnover issues, UNT’s explosive offense keeps them in the hunt for the AAC title.

   
   

7. Wyoming (5-3, 3-1 MWC)

   A crushing OT loss to Colorado State drops Wyoming, but they remain dangerous with Evan Svoboda and Tyler King leading the charge.

   
   

8. Troy (6-3, 4-1 SBC)

   Troy is hitting their stride, with their defense making big plays and Tucker Kilcrease leading the way. In a strong position in the Sun Belt West.

   
   

9. USF (5-3, 2-2 AAC)

   After early struggles, USF is finding its rhythm. Byrum Brown’s balanced attack has them back in the AAC mix.

   
   

10. Nevada (3-5, 2-2 MWC)

    Nevada’s clutch performances are keeping their bowl hopes alive. If they can win some close games, they might make a push for a strong finish.

    
    

11. ECU (3-5, 0-4 AAC)

    ECU’s offense has been inconsistent, but they are showing enough fight to stay ahead of Texas State. They need a turnaround soon.

    
    

12. Texas State (1-7, 0-4 SBC)

    Texas State continues to struggle offensively. Their defense is doing its best, but the lack of big plays on offense is holding them back.

    
    

13. Utah State (4-4, 2-2 MWC)

    Despite a recent win, Utah State’s struggles keep them at the bottom. The lack of fan support and program direction remains a concern.