6 Group of Five teams that can make the College Football Playoff in 2024

We’re guaranteed to see a Group of Five team in the College Football Playoff.

The 12-team format includes five spots for conference champions and seven at-large bids. With four power conferences left standing after the Pac-12 dissolved, a conference champion from the AAC, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West or Sun Belt will make the postseason.

There are a handful of teams who look to be a cut above the rest in those five conferences too. Here are the six teams we think have the best chance of representing the Group of Five in the first 12-team playoff.

Appalachian State (Sun Belt, 9-5 in 2023)

After losing a close game to North Carolina for the second season in a row, App State stumbled last year. The Mountaineers were 3-4 before reeling off five straight wins to end the regular season.

This year, QB Joey Aguilar is back after throwing for over 3,700 yards and 33 TDs a season ago. Leading rusher Nate Noel transferred to Missouri, but Kanye Roberts is ready to be the full-time lead back. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry last season. The key to the offense will be a rebuilt offensive line that returns just one starter.

Four starters on the front seven are back for the defense, including linebacker Nate Johnson (7.5 sacks in 2023). Cornerback Ethan Johnson broke up 11 passes last season and may be the best defensive back in the Sun Belt.

A trip to Clemson looms in Week 2, but a win over Liberty at the end of September will be huge and James Madison is also on the schedule. The Sun Belt has improved dramatically over the past few seasons and its strength could boost the Mountaineers if they post an 11-1 season.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty will be back in uniform for the Broncos this season. (Marc Sanchez/Getty Images)

Boise State (Mountain West, 8-6)

2023 was an odd year for Boise State. Thanks to a non-conference…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-08-12 13:00:28

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