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. Liberty (4-0, 2-0 CUSA)
Last week: vs Appalachian State canceled
The Flames had one of their marquee games of the season taken off the schedule due to the devastating affects of Hurricane Helene in Boone, North Carolina and the surrounding areas.
Next game: Tuesday, October 8 vs FIU, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
4. Army (4-0, 3-0 American)
Last week: W, 42-14 @ Temple
The Black Knights have been very good this season, racing out to a 4-0 start on the year and 3-0 to begin their stint in the AAC. With the exception of Notre Dame in late November, Army’s schedule is very favorable for the remainder of the season.
Next game: Saturday, October 5 @ Tulsa, 12 noon, ESPNU
3. James Madison (4-0, 0-0 Sun Belt)
Last week: W, 63-7 vs Ball State
There was no hangover for JMU coming off their win over North Carolina. The Dukes have scored 133 points in their last two games and now open Sun Belt play against upstart UL Monroe.
Next game: Saturday, October 5 @ UL Monroe, 7 p.m., ESPNU
2. Boise State (3-1, 0-0 Mountain West)
Last week: W, 45-24 vs Washington State
Ashton Jeanty should be in serious consideration for the Heisman Trophy as he helped the Broncos run all over Washington State. With a three point loss their only setback so far, Boise State is in great shape heading into the heart of conference play.
Next game: Saturday, October 5 vs Utah State, 7 p.m., FS2
1. UNLV (4-0, 1-0 Mountain West)
Last week: W, 59-14 vs Fresno State
The Rebels proved that the off field distractions wouldn’t affect them as they took care of business and destroyed Fresno State. UNLV is sitting in terrific position and still has matchups with Syracuse and Oregon State on the docket.
Next game: Friday, October 4 vs Syracuse, 9 p.m., FS1
