The expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams has ignited a new era of hope for teams outside the Power 5 conferences. With the top-ranked Group of 5 champion guaranteed a spot in the main tournament, the race is on to secure this coveted position. From the Boise State Broncos' quest for redemption to the Army Black Knights' undefeated surge, the landscape is rife with contenders vying for a chance to etch their names in the annals of college football history.

Seizing the Moment: The Group of 5's Path to the Playoff Promised Land

Boise State Broncos: Reclaiming the Mantle of the Group of 5 Elite

The Boise State Broncos have long been synonymous with the Group of 5's ability to punch above their weight. After a narrow loss to the Oregon Ducks, the Broncos have regained their footing, boasting a Heisman Trophy candidate in tailback Ashton Jeanty and a stifling defense. With a convincing win over the Washington State Cougars and a commanding victory over UNLV, Boise State has firmly established itself as the frontrunner for the Group of 5's playoff berth. The Broncos' combination of on-field dominance and a quality resume has them poised to reclaim their position as the standard-bearer for the non-Power 5 programs.

Army Black Knights: Marching Towards an Unprecedented Opportunity

The Army Black Knights have been one of the feel-good stories of the season, undefeated and owners of the nation's longest winning streak. Led by the dynamic duo of a top-10 scoring offense and defense, the Black Knights have steamrolled through their schedule, boasting an impressive scoring margin of +196. With a chance to clinch a spot in the American Athletic Conference championship game well before Thanksgiving, Army has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for the Group of 5's playoff bid. However, the Black Knights face a daunting task, as they must navigate a potential showdown with the Navy Midshipmen, a fellow playoff hopeful, to solidify their case.

Tulane Green Wave: Riding the Wave of Opportunity

Tulane has emerged as a dark horse in the Group of 5 playoff race, joining Army and Navy with an undefeated conference record and a 14-game winning streak in league play. Under the guidance of new head coach Jon Sumrall, the Green Wave have showcased their mettle, nearly pulling off victories against Power 5 opponents Kansas State and Oregon State. With a tough path ahead, including potential matchups against fellow AAC contenders Navy, Memphis, and potentially Army, Tulane faces a daunting challenge. However, the opportunity to pick up marquee wins and eliminate other competitors for the Group of 5 bid could propel the Green Wave to the forefront of the committee's considerations.

Navy Midshipmen: Charting a Course to the Playoff

Despite a lopsided loss to Notre Dame, the Navy Midshipmen still possess a clear path to the playoff. Should the Midshipmen win out and claim the AAC championship, along with a top 25 victory over Army, they would present a compelling case to the selection committee. The potential discussion between a one-loss Navy squad and a one-loss Boise State team would be a robust one, with the committee tasked with weighing the Midshipmen's conference title and quality win against the Broncos' overall resume.

UNLV Rebels: Chasing the Elusive Upset

The UNLV Rebels' close loss to Boise State has not eliminated them from playoff contention, but it has certainly complicated their path. While the Rebels boast two Power 5 victories, the underwhelming performances of their opponents have diminished the luster of those wins. Even a perfect finish to the season may not be enough for UNLV, as the schedule quirks could prevent them from facing Boise State again, denying them a chance to avenge their lone defeat.

Memphis Tigers: Navigating the Treacherous Path

The Memphis Tigers find themselves in a precarious position, despite their Power 5 road win over Florida State. Their lone loss could prove to be a significant obstacle, as the committee is unlikely to prioritize the Tigers over two- or three-loss Power 5 teams. Even if Memphis wins out, they are not guaranteed a spot in the AAC championship game, further complicating their path to the playoff. The Tigers will need a combination of on-field success and favorable results elsewhere to secure a coveted at-large bid.

Sun Belt and Conference USA Contenders: Longshots with a Glimmer of Hope

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers represent the Sun Belt and Conference USA's best hopes for a playoff berth, respectively. While both teams face an uphill battle, there is a sliver of hope should they win out and see chaos unfold elsewhere. The Ragin' Cajuns' lone loss to Tulane and the Hilltoppers' close calls against Power 5 opponents have kept their playoff dreams alive, but they will need a perfect storm of circumstances to secure a spot in the 12-team field.