Three games in, it seems like teams are starting to show their true colors. For some teams, those colors aren’t great. For others, they are still winning but there are definitely chinks in the armor. While no team looks truly dominant yet, most teams still look capable of making a bowl. Check out what the rankings look like after three weeks:
1. Boise State
Why they are ranked here: They are 3-0 and have been dominant for the second half of each of their games.
Why they could be ranked lower: They haven’t gotten off to good starts on either side of the ball. Their QB is taken a lot of hits, partly due to him and partly do to their OL. Talent is overcoming mistakes thus far.
2. San Diego State
Why they are ranked here: They are 3-0, have beaten a PAC-12 school and their offense seems to have found its rhythm. The defense is looking like their usual stout selves.
Why they could be ranked lower: The offense couldn’t score a touchdown against an FCS team. Their run-game isn’t as effective out of the spread and they haven’t truly been tested yet.
3. Wyoming
Why they are ranked here: They are 3-0. Their defense looks like they mean business, they have a steady running game and a gamer at QB.
Why they could be ranked lower: They struggled against FCS Idaho, who was in the game until the very end. Their passing game isn’t showing much life, due to both some inaccuracy and dropped passes.
4. Air Force
Why they are ranked here: They are 2-0. They joined the ranks of teams who have beat P5 teams this year with a win over Colorado. Their defense looks much improved from the past few seasons and they can even sprinkle in some passes here and there.
Why they could be ranked lower: They have beat an FCS team and a middling PAC12 team, so they haven’t been tested. They needed overtime to win and had their backs up against the wall on the last play.
5. Hawaii
Why they are ranked here: They are 2-1 and looked pretty strong before a total misfire this weekend against Washington. Their offense can score quick and often.
Why they could be ranked lower: They finally play a good team and it got ugly. As good as their offense can be, they are extremely turnover prone, especially at QB. Their defense is still a weak point and can’t help when the offense is struggling.
6. Utah State
Why they are ranked here: They are 1-1. Their loss was really close and was to a P5 team. Their offense has looked great and the stars on defense are playing like stars.
Why they could be ranked lower: They should’ve beat Wake Forest and anyone would look good against Stony Brook. Who this team truly is still remains to be seen. Hopefully their game against SDSU provides an answer.
7. Nevada
Why they are ranked here: They are 2-1, with a win over a P5 team. They have their QB for the next few years and their offense can look great at times.
Why they could be ranked lower: They got destroyed by Oregon and didn’t look at all great against FCS Weber State either. The defense leaves something to be desired and no true main threat at wide receiver yet.
8. Fresno State
Why they are ranked here: They are 0-2 but have played the toughest schedule thus far and are just a few plays away from 1-1 or 2-0, as both games have been hard-fought. Their defense looks tough as usual. They have some things to figure out on offense but nothing more extreme than any other team.
Why they could be ranked lower: They are the only team in the MWC to not win a game. Their QB play is definitely a step or two lower than the previous two years. Their offense just hasn’t looked right so far.
9. Colorado State
Why they are ranked here: They are 1-2, but look the best out of the 1 win teams. Their offense doesn’t have much trouble scoring points and their two losses haven’t been total blowouts.
Why they could be ranked lower: Their only win is against an FCS team, so they haven’t played well against good competition. Their defense gives up way too many points to have a real shot during games.
10. UNLV
Why they are ranked here: They are 1-2. Everything was working well for them in their opener and they hung with Northwestern, a P5 team, for a half.
Why they could be ranked lower: Their only win is against an FCS team. They got blown out by Arkansas State and ran out of gas against Northwestern. Their defense is giving up too many points and their offense hasn’t topped 20 points in two out of three games.
11. San Jose State
Why they are ranked here: They are 1-1. They looked great in their opener, having little issue putting up points. Their loss was against one of the better G5 teams.
Why they could be ranked lower: Their only win is against an FCS team. They couldn’t keep pace against a G5 team and couldn’t score points when they needed to against Tulsa.
12. New Mexico:
Why they are ranked here: They are 1-1. They scored more points than the other team in their win. There isn’t much else to say.
Why they could be ranked lower: They barely beat an FCS team, beating some guy named Sam Houston by only 8 points. Then they got destroyed by Notre Dame. If there was a 13th place, they would be considered for it this week.
Last week we said Hawaii and Wyoming were due for regression and we were right. Hawaii got exposed against a good football team and Wyoming probably would’ve have if they faced a good football team. Same for Nevada. San Diego State made big strides and are looking like the most consistent team. Boise State doesn’t yet look like a #1 team, but talent has been able to overcome mistakes thus far. They’ll need to get it together against an Air Force team that is trending upward. Look for Fresno State to get a win this week and go on a run from there.