Group of 5 Recap: Week 4

Week four of college football gave us six games between ranked teams and that’s not including Florida State vs. unranked Clemson, which may have been the most exciting game of the weekend…

…that is if you missed the UMass vs. New Mexico game. Two teams most known for their constant features in ESPN writer Ryan McGee’s weekly Bottom 10 articles provided a game for the ages.

UMass went into the 4th quarter down by 11 and was forced to play true freshman backup quarterback Ahmad Haston after starter Carlos Davis left the game due to injury.

Haston calmly came in and completed all five of his attempts for 102 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown pass and ensuing two-point conversion to tie the game with 45 seconds remaining, sending the game to overtime.

Unfortunately for the Minutemen, the comeback was not meant to be. After only managing a field goal in their overtime possession, New Mexico won the game on a two-yard touchdown run by running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Appalachian State lived up to their reputation as the most entertaining team in College Football, for better or for worse, in their game against Wyoming.

After returning an interception for a touchdown to take a 19-7 lead with just over 11 minutes to play in the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers thought they had the game in check.

However, Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee ran for a 75-yard touchdown on the very next play from scrimmage. App State then held the ball for a lengthy nine-minute drive and lined up to attempt a field goal with just over two minutes to play to take an eight-point lead.

Wyoming managed to block the field goal and Jakorey Hawkins scooped up the loose ball for the Cowboys and returned it 47 yards for a stunning touchdown to take the lead.

The Mountaineers last drive ended with a red zone interception, sealing the win for the Cowboys in another thrilling fourth-quarter finish.

Fresno State became the first Group of 5 teams to crack the AP top 25, coming in at No. 25 after blasting Kent State 53-10 and remaining undefeated.

James Madison survived a scare against Utah State in yet another exhilarating game to keep their undefeated season intact, while Georgia State put in a surprisingly dominant performance against Coastal Carolina.

Marshall defeated ACC member Virginia Tech to move to 3-0, while Air Force and Liberty had easier times against less talented opponents to keep their records perfect.

Much like Marshall, Memphis took on a Power 5 team as they traveled to Missouri in a Tiger vs. Tiger matchup. Unlike Marshall, Memphis’ dream of a perfect season ended as they suffered their first loss in a 34-27 defeat.

Alex Perez is a second-year majoring in sports broadcasting. To contact him, please email app5877@psu.edu.