For the first time, The Mountain West Conference has a clear path to the College Football Playoffs (CFP) after expanding to a 12-team bracket for the 2024-2025 season.
This new format will allow one team outside the power conferences to compete. The group of five conferences are the Mountain West, American, Sun Belt, Mid-American and Conference USA.
This leaves the Broncos with the opportunity to play for a national title.
Selection Process
Bids will be given to the top five ranked conference champions. The seven highest-ranked teams that follow will round out the remaining spots.
The top four teams will receive a first-round bye to the quarterfinals. Seeds 5-12 will compete in the first round.
Boise State
After a tight loss against the Oregon Ducks, the Broncos will need to go undefeated the rest of the season in order to secure a place in the College Football Playoff.
Considering Boise State was four points shy of beating No. 7 ranked Oregon, the Broncos should be capable of winning the rest of their games and finishing off the season with an 11-1 record.
The Broncos offense features top rated running back Ashton Jeanty who is a contender for the Heisman Trophy. There is confidence Jeanty can lead the Broncos toward the 12 team playoff as he is already off to an incredible start with nine touchdowns off two games this season.
Boise State has the best betting odds to make the playoff among any group of five team. On top of that, they are the number one favored school to win the Mountain West Championship for the second year in a row.
“We know what we’re playing for,” Head Coach Danielson said. “The goal is always to win a Mountain West championship but this year, our players know they have a shot at a national championship.”
Favored Teams
Southeastern Conference: University of Georgia
University of Georgia remains the top team in the country following the first two weeks. They defeated Clemson University 34-3 and Tennessee Tech University 48-3. Until proven otherwise, the Bulldogs are the team to beat as they compete toward their third title in four years.
The Big Ten Conference: Ohio State University
The Buckeyes had two dominating victories opening up their season with a 56-0 win against Western Michigan University followed by a 52-6 win against The University of Akron.
The Atlantic Coast Conference: University of Miami
The Hurricanes moved up a spot this week following a 56-9 win over Florida A&M University. Quarterback Cam Ward is a Heisman candidate and was named to the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 after also earning ACC Player of the Week distinction and Maxwell Player of the Week recognition.
The Big 12 Conference: University of Utah
University of Utah dropped a spot this week but are still projected to be the Big 12 Champions. The Utes have a 2-0 record so far with a 23-12 win against Baylor University and a 49-0 win against Utah Southern University.
Other favored teams include University of Texas, Penn State, University of Alabama, Kansas State and Clemson University.
12 Team Prediction
- University of Georgia
- Ohio State
- University of Miami
- Ole Miss
- University of Texas
- Penn State
- University of Alabama
- University of Oregon
- University of Utah
- Kansas State
- Clemson University
- Boise State
Top Group of Five Contenders
- Boise State (1-1)
Conference: Mountain West
Players to Watch: Ashton Jeanty (running back), Maddux Madsen (quarterback), Chris Marshall (wide receiver) and Ahmed Hassanein (defensive end)
- University of Memphis (2-0)
Conference: American
Players to Watch: Seth Henigan (quarterback), Roc Taylor (wide receiver), Chandler Martin (linebacker) and Kourtlan Marsh (safety)
- Liberty University (2-0)
Conference: Conference USA
Players to Watch: Kaidon Salter (quarterback), Brylan Green (safety), Quinton Cooley (running back) and Tyson Mobley (wide receiver)
- University of Las Vegas Nevada (2-0)
Conference: Mountain West
Players to Watch: Rickey White (wide receiver), Jai’Den Thomas (running back), Jackson Woodard (linebacker) and Melvin Laster (linebacker)
- Appalachian State (2-0)
Conference: Sun Belt
Players to Watch: Joey Aguilar (quarterback), Kanye Roberts (running back), Nate Johnson (linebacker) and Michael Hughes (kicker)
Honorary Mentions: Northern Illinois University, Tulane University, Fresno State and University of Toledo.
