Group of Five schools have chance to state CFP case in Week 2

The 2024 season may have just begun, but it’s not too early to think about the postseason for Boise State and Tulane.

In Week 2, both programs, two of the likeliest Group of Five representatives in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, can make huge statements.

Per CFP rules, the top five conference champions automatically qualify for the playoffs. The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC are expected to receive bids, limiting the G5 (American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Sun Belt) to one spot.

Although, in the funniest possible outcome to the season, Florida State (0-2, 0-2 in ACC) rebounds to win its conference but finishes as the sixth-ranked conference champion and misses the CFP.

Boise State and Tulane might be the biggest Noles fans for the remainder of the season, but chances are the two teams are fighting for one playoff spot.

That’s why this Saturday could be massive.

Boise State travels to Associated Press No. 7 Oregon (10 p.m. EST, Peacock), while Tulane hosts No. 17 Kansas State (noon EST, ESPN).

Despite a win, the Ducks were among the most disappointing teams in Week 1. Oregon edged FCS Idaho 24-14 in a game it entered as a 44.5-point favorite.

The preseason No. 3 team in the country is still a sizable 19-point favorite against Boise State. Transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel was sharp in the underwhelming victory over Idaho, finishing 41-of-49 for 380 yards and two touchdowns.

Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty was one of Week 1’s top performers, finishing a 56-45 win over Georgia Southern with 20 carries, 267 yards and a single-game school-record six touchdowns.