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 3 as we enter Week 4:
Other: Liberty (3-0, 2-0 CUSA)
Last week: W, 28-10 vs UTEP
After the first three 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 three 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 21 vs East Carolina, 6 p.m., ESPN+
5. Boise State (1-1, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: Open
No game for Boise State this past week. They are coming off a close loss at Oregon. As long as the Broncos keep winning and if the Ducks stay in the mix in the Big Ten, they will have a chance at a CFP spot.
Next game: Saturday, September 21 vs Portland State, 10:45 p.m., FS1
4. Toledo (3-0, 0-0 MAC)
Last week: W, 41-17 @ Mississippi State
The Rockets absolutely obliterated an SEC foe in Mississippi State this past week. They remain unbeaten and now have an impressive P4 win on their resume. Another nice non-conference test this week against a CUSA contender in Western Kentucky.
Next game: Saturday, September 21 @ Western Kentucky, 7 p.m., ESPN+
3. Memphis (3-0, 0-0 American)
Last week: W, 20-12 @ Florida State
The Tigers picked up a road win at Florida State to stay firmly in the mix for the CFP. It won’t be easy sledding in the American with a few tough road trips on their schedule, but, for now, they have a strong resume.
Next game: Saturday, September 21 @ Navy, 3:30 p.m., CBSSN
2. Northern Illinois (2-0, 0-0 MAC)
Last week: Open
After knocking off Notre Dame last week, the Huskies are firmly in the mix for the CFP. They had an open date this past week and will open MAC play at home against Buffalo this week. Another P4 game looms on September 28 at NC State.
Next game: Saturday, September 21 vs Buffalo
1. UNLV (3-0, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: W, 23-20 @ Kansas
The Rebels are in the driver’s seat with wins over Houston (27-7) and Kansas (23-20) notched in their belt to begin the season. They’re off this week before opening conference play. The Rebels have a third P4 opportunity at home against Syracuse on October 4.
Next game: Saturday, September 28 vs Fresno State, 3:30 p.m., FS1
