It's a seismic shift in the landscape of college football, with the Group of Five teams finally getting a clearer pathway to glory in the College Football Playoff. CBS Sports has unfurled its first 2024 Group of Five Power Rankings, setting up the stage for a season where access to the playoff is not just a lofty dream, but a tangible goal. At the tip of the spear, Boise State and Liberty are battling for the prime position, with Boise State just nicking the top spot.
The American Athletic Conference's UTSA Roadrunners have trotted into the sixth place, while their nearby rivals, the Texas State Bobcats of the Sun Belt Conference, are prowling at the twelfth position in these rankings. It's more than just rankings at stake here; it's about "Don’t be surprised if the Bobcats take another step forward and compete for the Sun Belt title," as CBS Sports speculates, pointing to the Bobcats' potential to build on their historic season.
Last season, UTSA locked horns with Texas State on the gridiron and bolstered their undefeated record against the Bobcats to 5-0, with fans eagerly anticipating the next clash set for September 7 in San Marcos. Details from KSAT underline the returning strength of both teams: UTSA with 51 lettermen, including 16 starters, and Texas State, which boasts 17 starters and the best newcomer class in their conference.
Change is in the air for UTSA as they gear up to introduce a new starting quarterback for the first time in seven years, according to KSAT's report. Meanwhile, Texas State has made waves with the acquisition of ex-James Madison star quarterback Jordan McCloud via the transfer portal, a move that could signal their serious intentions for the upcoming season.
As the Group of Five gears up for the expanded CFP format, where the highest-ranked G5 team will have a guaranteed spot, eyes will be firmly fixed on the top contenders. The likes of Boise State, Liberty, and Memphis are not merely content with topping power rankings; they are gunning for a piece of the national title pie. The proof? Look no further than CBS Sports, where the stakes for these teams couldn't be higher: prestige, payout, and the ultimate prize of a national championship.
