Underdogs Poll Week Six

What is the Underdogs Poll? Every week, writers and editors from SB Nation's Group of Five blogs -- Bull Run, The Daily Stampede, Down the Drive, Hustle Belt, Miner Rush, Mountain West Connection, The UConn Blog, Underdog Dynasty, and Vanquish the Foe -- put their heads together to determine the best of the best, week in and week out, from the teams we cover. The poll is hosted by our friends at Mountain West Connection. You can read their take on this week’s poll at this link.

I love the triple option until it upsets the top Underdog team in the nation, likely knocking them out of playoff consideration. Then I hate the triple option.

Navy chipped away at #6 Houston on a field soaked by bands of rain from Hurricane Matthew en route to a 46-40 upset. The typically strong Houston offensive line struggled to protect Greg Ward who responded poorly to the pressure, throwing two interceptions and coughing up a fumble.

Besides the weather and the unorthodox Navy offense, it was a perfect anatomy for an upset as the Cougars were missing starting running back Duke Catalon, starting defensive end Tyus Bowser, starting linebacker Steven Taylor, and starting cornerback Brandon Wilson. Whew.

Thankfully the Cougars weren’t hit too hard by the national polls, dropping from #6 to just #13. The loss could kick the Cougars into another gear as they seek to elevate their play in conference. A win against Louisville and an AAC championship game victory could still keep Houston in the hunt for a New Year’s bowl.

With the Cougars dropping to second place in the Underdogs poll, Navy was obviously a huge winner as they jumped from 11th place to 4th. The Midshipmen currently sit at 4-1 after a loss to Air Force. If Navy can get past a strong Memphis squad on October 22nd then they’ll travel to South Florida for what should be the biggest game of the year for the American’s east division on Friday, October 28th.

The remaining poll closely resembles last week’s up top with Appalachian State, Tulsa, and Middle Tennessee making their debut further down the rankings at 12, 14, and 15 respectively. Southern Mississippi, South Alabama, Western Kentucky, and Army all dropped out of the poll this week.

Underdogs of the Week

Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech - eight catches, 232 receiving yards, three touchdowns in a 55-52 win vs. Western Kentucky

Will Worth, QB, Navy - 3-of 5, 76 passing yards; 32 carries, 115 rushing yards; three total touchdowns (2 pass, 1 rush) in a 46-40 win vs. Houston

Hasaan Klugh, QB, Charlotte - 14-of-17, 223 passing yards, thee passing touchdowns, 54 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown in Charlotte’s first ever C-USA win against FAU

Jalen Rhodes, RB, UTSA - 14 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-32 win vs. Southern Miss

Top Underdogs Games of Week 7 (all times CST on Saturday)

Georgia Southern vs. Georgia Tech, 11:30 am (ACC Network) - The Eagles have struggled more than expected this season but will have a great chance to score a huge in-state upset win over a Power Five program if they’re firing on all cylinders this week as Georgia Tech is riding a three-game losing streak.

#14 Tulsa vs. #2 Houston, 6:00 pm (ESPN2) - Tulsa’s impressive start to the season has made Houston’s path to an AAC West division championship a little bit tougher than expected. The Cougars will need to bounce back from last week’s loss and shut down Dane Evans and the Golden Hurricane’s prolific passing attack.

Western Kentucky vs #15 Middle Tennessee 1:30 pm (ESPN3) - Here we go. 100 Miles of Hate that will likely determine the C-USA East champion. The stakes are always elevated in this rivalry but this game will carry an even heavier weight thanks to Marshall’s failure to compete for the division championship. MTSU is a slight favorite at home but Jeff Brohm’s offense will come ready to play.