On behalf of college football’s army of would-be Davids ready to stun the sport’s Goliaths, Boise State is hanging in the playoff hunt. The Broncos are currently projected for the final spot in the playoff. That said, six of the CFP rankings’ top 15 teams are from the SEC. Will that league swallow up all the spots, or is there one left for Boise?
Boise State’s impressive season
The 8-1 Broncos have been one of the most impressive teams in college football this season. Their only loss came against the formidable No. 1 Oregon in Week 2, where they put up a valiant fight, losing by just a 37-34 margin. The only other team to even give the Ducks a challenge this season is No. 2 Ohio State.
Boise State has also showcased its prowess by defeating No. 19 Washington State 45-24, a significant victory that adds weight to their resume. However, critics point out that outside of these games, Boise hasn’t faced a plethora of top-tier competition. They have secured narrow victories over UNLV and Nevada, along with a high-scoring opener against Georgia Southern, which they won 56-45.
Understanding Boise’s playoff chances
Despite the criticisms, at 8-1 and boasting a perfect 5-0 record in Mountain West play, Boise State stands at No. 13 in the latest CFP rankings. This position puts them in a prime spot to leapfrog No. 12 Georgia and claim the coveted final playoff spot. The reasoning behind this potential jump lies in the playoff’s established rules.
The playoff system, perhaps a relic of a time when the Pac-12 was still a major player, does not explicitly guarantee bids for Group of Five (G5) teams or conferences. However, it does allow the top five ranked conference champions to secure automatic spots in the playoff.
Playoff rules and the G5 landscape
In practical terms, this means that the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 can claim automatic spots for their champions. But what about the fifth league? With the Pac-12’s absence for the 2024 CFP considerations, the spotlight falls on the G5 conferences.
Boise State emerges as the leading candidate among these teams. Currently ranked No. 13, they hold a distinct advantage over other non-power conference teams in the CFP top 25, such as Washington State (ranked 18), Army (24), and Tulane (25). However, Washington State’s unique situation as a team without a conference complicates matters. Meanwhile, even if Army or Tulane were to win out, their current rankings are too low to surpass Boise.
Boise’s path to the playoff
So, what does Boise need to do to secure their playoff spot? Essentially, the Broncos must win the Mountain West Conference. They are currently in a strong position, with Colorado State at 4-0 and UNLV at 3-1. Fortunately for Boise, they have already defeated UNLV, giving them a crucial tie-breaker advantage. This means that even with a regular-season loss, Boise’s chances would remain relatively intact.
However, they still need to clinch the Mountain West title. If they can achieve that, they will be recognized as the top-ranked title winner outside of the power four leagues, effectively paving their way into the playoff.
The stakes of the Mountain West title
The stakes are high for Boise State. Should they falter in the Mountain West title game, their chances of securing an at-large bid would diminish significantly. In that scenario, the last playoff spot would likely go to Army, Tulane, or another champion from a higher-rated conference.
The pressure is on, but the Broncos have shown resilience throughout the season. Their ability to navigate the challenges ahead will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.
What do you think of Boise’s playoff path? Will they rise to the occasion and secure their spot, or will they fall short? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Boise State. With their impressive record and determination, they are poised to make a statement in the college football landscape. The excitement is palpable, and the journey to the playoffs is just beginning.
