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 4 as we enter Week 5:
5. Texas State (2-1, 0-0 Sun Belt)
Last week: OPEN
The Bobcats are within striking distance of being included at the top of this listing as long as they continue to pile up wins. They have wins over Lamar and UTSA and their only lost was by three points to Arizona State. If they can take care of business the rest of the way, they will be in the mix.
Next game: Saturday, September 28 @ Sam Houston, 3 p.m., ESPN+
4. Liberty (4-0, 2-0 CUSA)
Last week: W, 35-24 vs East Carolina
With a few losses to a couple of the top teams in contention for the top ranked G5 teams, Liberty is back inside the top five of our power rankings. The Flames have to keep winning, but, as long as they do, they will be in the mix.
Next game: Saturday, September 28 @ Appalachian State, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
3. Boise State (2-1, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: W, 56-14 vs Portland State
The Broncos took care of their FCS opponent and now have another opportunity against a PAC-2 team in Washington State who is currently undefeated.
Next game: Saturday, September 28 vs Washington State, 10 p.m., FS1
2. James Madison (3-0, 0-0 Sun Belt)
Last week: W, 70-50 @ North Carolina
The Dukes jumped into serious consideration for the CFP with their win at North Carolina on Saturday.
Next game: Saturday, September 28 vs Ball State, 1:30 p.m., ESPN+
1. UNLV (3-0, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: OPEN
The Rebels stay at the top of this list with two P4 wins as they prepare to begin conference play this week with a tough challenge against Fresno State.
Next game: Saturday, September 28 vs Fresno State, 3:30 p.m., FS1