The first College Football Playoff expanded rankings came out Tuesday night, and you’re excused if you missed it. Something else was going on at the time that might have grabbed your attention.
(Pssst…..it was the election).
Besides, the usual suspects filled the dance card anyway as the Power 4 conferences grabbed the top 11 spots in the rankings and 23 of the 25 teams that made the first cut. The SEC has eight teams in the top 25.
Of course, it does.
Meanwhile, at the kiddie table …
Yes, this time, the so-called Group of 5 is guaranteed at least one spot in the playoff. How generous of the behemoths to allow the star-struck little programs to see how the big boys do it.
As expected, Boise State is the most likely G5 invitee, although unbeaten Army checked in at No. 25.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, who is the CFP chairman, made the case for Boise.
“Boise State is an impressive team. They go to No. 1 Oregon at the beginning of the season and lose by three. Ashton Jeanty, I think he's rushed for more yards against Oregon than anybody else in the country, if I have that correct. They're just an impressive team,” he said.
“Their quarterback is really developed and been a strength of their team. Impressive win at UNLV. They're a very good team. And their win against No. 21 Washington State. So the committee is very high on them as it relates to their performance. Their last win by 22 points -- or 32 points, I think, against San Diego State, they're just an impressive team all around.”
Let’s pause there for a moment.
While Boise gets all the G5 ink (justifiably), it’s worth noting that the No. 2 and 3 teams from the kiddie table that could break through are Army and Tulane from the American Athletic Conference. Tulane didn't make the official list, but ESPN generated its G5 ranking and placed the Green Wave third.
Army is 8-0, although the Black Knights face a potential trap game this weekend at North Texas. If they get by that one, their next game is against Notre Dame in Yankee Stadium. A win over the Irish would be a major statement and could create havoc in the rankings.
Would the committee take one-loss Boise over undefeated Army?
Tulane’s path is a bit more iffy, even if the Green Wave beat Army in the AAC title game – a matchup that seems likely at the moment.
Tulane has two losses, both to P4 teams but one was to mediocre Oklahoma. Still, Tulane passes the eye test, as USF can attest.
Oh yeah, USF.
Obviously, the Bulls didn’t come up in the CFP conversation, but here’s something to note.
USF’s opening game in 2025 is at Raymond James Stadium against Boise State.
That’s bold scheduling.
Very bold.