Nevarez demands respect for Boise State before playoff reveal

In the lead-up to the College Football Playoff announcement on December 8, 2024, Gloria Nevarez, the commissioner of the Mountain West Conference, made a compelling case for the Boise State Broncos. The 10th-ranked team in the nation finished their season with a strong 12-1 record, including an impressive 11-game winning streak and a convincing 21-7 victory against the No. 20 UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game. These achievements have led Nevarez to argue that Boise State deserves a top-four seed and a first-round bye in the playoff brackets. Her statements reflected a broader debate within college football's hierarchy, particularly highlighting the rivalry between the Group of 5 conferences and the Power 5 leagues. As per Nevarez, Boise State’s success should not be diminished due to the nature of their conference affiliation. This perspective is in contrast to arguments made by Brett Yormark, the Big 12 commissioner, who has consistently asserted that the champion from the Big 12 should rank higher than any Group of 5 champion, including Boise State. He emphasized the importance of a strong schedule to validate their position in the playoff race. The backdrop of this discourse is heightened by the competitive nature of college football and the differing levels of recognition for teams based on their conference. While Yormark argues for a meritocratic assessment based on strength of schedule, Nevarez appeals to performance as the ultimate metric for playoff inclusion, advocating that Boise State’s accomplishments this season warrant higher regard than they often receive due to their Group of 5 status. Nevarez’s comments have sparked discussions about the criteria used for playoff selections and the implications for smaller conferences seeking greater visibility and respect in the national arena. The situation came to a head following the recent performances in college football, particularly after the Mountain West Championship game on December 7. Boise State's solid win against UNLV showcased their strength and resilience throughout the season. In contrast, the ongoing debate about the placement of Group of 5 teams like Boise State against Power 5 champions highlights a fundamental divide in college football. As the playoff reveal approaches, the implications of these discussions will shape the narrative surrounding the future of college football, particularly for teams that fight for recognition beyond traditional power structures.