Boise State, Liberty, and UTSA vie for Playoff Spot

The recent expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to a 12-team format ensures that a Group of Five team will have a chance to compete for the national title, significantly increasing excitement around the defending Mountain West champion, Boise State. Historically, only the Cincinnati Bearcats have represented the Group of Five in the CFP since its inception in 2014. With the Pac-12's decline, the landscape of college football has shifted, leaving four power conferences and creating new opportunities for teams outside the traditional power structure. Boise State is poised to make a strong showing this season, led by standout running back Ashton Jeanty, the Mountain West Conference's offensive player of the year. Jeanty topped the nation with an impressive average of 159.67 yards per game from scrimmage. The Broncos are currently ranked just outside the preseason Associated Press Top 25 and are the highest-rated Group of Five team in the ESPN power index, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead. Other Group of Five teams are also gearing up for significant challenges. Liberty faces tough early tests with road games against New Mexico State and Appalachian State, while the UTSA Roadrunners, under coach Jeff Traylor, look to build on three consecutive nine-win seasons with matchups against Troy and Florida State. Meanwhile, the Sun Belt Conference's Appalachian State, featuring quarterback Joey Aguilar, is set to face formidable opponents, including Clemson and East Carolina. As the season unfolds, the spotlight will be on these teams as they strive to secure a coveted spot in the expanded playoff, showcasing the growing competitiveness of the Group of Five in college football.