With the newly expanded College Football Playoff to 12 teams and the top 5 ranked conference champions getting automatic bids, it means that the highest ranked Group of Five conference champion will be included in this year’s CFP.
With Liberty one of the favorites to contend for this spot, we will be providing a weekly CFP Watch and power rankings of the top five teams in consideration for this G5 spot for as long as the Flames are in contention.
Here are our G5 CFP Power Rankings following Week 2 as we enter Week 3:
Other: Liberty (2-0, 0-0 CUSA)
Last week: W, 30-24 @ New Mexico State
After the first two weeks of the season, Liberty looks like it will have some ground to make up the rest of the way to have a serious shot at the CFP. It’s not much different than how things were when the season started, but, not looking dominant in the two wins and with some of the performances of other teams, the Flames are just outside of our top 5 G5 power rankings for the CFP spot.
Next game: Saturday, September 14 vs UTEP, 6 p.m., ESPN+
5. Boise State (1-1, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: L, 37-34 @ #7 Oregon
The Broncos lost, but a three point setback at a top 10 Oregon team who many expect to compete for a national championship is certainly not a bad look. Boise State will have to continue to win and need the Ducks to stay in the CFP race.
Next game: Saturday, September 21 vs Portland State, 10:45 p.m., FS1
4. Memphis (2-0, 0-0 American)
Last week: W, 38-17 vs Troy
The Tigers have taken care of business the first two weeks and now have what looks like a very winnable game at Florida State on deck this week. A win there and Memphis may be back in the driver’s seat while a close loss and they will remain in the hunt.
Next game: Saturday, September 14 @ Florida State, Noon, ESPN
3. Tulane (1-1, 0-0 American)
Last week: L, 34-27 vs #17 Kansas State
The Green Wave probably should have won that game against the Wildcats, but let it slip away late, maybe with some help from the officials. Still, Tulane remains in the hunt for a CFP spot. A big challenge this week at Oklahoma. Two losses, even to top 25 P4 teams would be a lot to overcome but not insurmountable
Next game: Saturday, September 14 @ #15 Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
2. UNLV (2-0, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: W, 72-14 vs Utah Tech
The Rebels already have one P4 win over Houston, they dominated their FCS opponent, and now another winnable P4 game on a national stage.
Next game: Friday, September 13 @ Kansas, 7 p.m., ESPN
1. Northern Illinois (2-0, 0-0 MAC)
Last week: W, 16-14 @ #5 Notre Dame
The Huskies pulled what will likely be the upset of the year by taking down Notre Dame on a last second field goal. If they can take care of business in the MAC, Northern Illinois will certainly have a compelling case to reach the CFP.
Next game: Saturday, September 21 vs Buffalo
