Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, center, holds up the Championship Trophy celebrating with … [+] safety Seyi Oladipo, left, and Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp, right, after their matchup against UNLV in the Mountain West Championship NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
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Last night, three Group of 5 conferences played their championship games. With the new 12-team expanded playoff format, these games mean more than ever. The five highest-ranked conference champions will automatically make the College Football Playoff with the four highest ranked conference champions receiving a first round bye. With that format, it is almost certain that all four Power 4 conferences will receive a bid to the College Football Playoff and guaranteed that at least one Group of 5 champion will, as well.
Mountain West Championship: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 7
The Mountain West Championship Game was largely viewed as a “win and you’re in” game for both Boise State and UNLV. Boise State took care of business with a dominant performance led by Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty who ran for 209 yards and a touchdown. Boise State’s defense stifled UNLV, allowing just one score. Currently, Boise State is ranked tenth in the playoff rankings which puts it ahead of three of the eight teams competing in Power 4 conference championship games, including both teams in the Big 12 Championship Game, Arizona State and Iowa State. This win likely secures a first-round bye for the Broncos, marking a monumental victory for the program, the conference, and the Group of 5. With a College Football Playoff berth, Boise State is looking at a payout of $4 million, plus an additional $4 million for making the quarterfinals with their bye. Meanwhile, UNLV is projected to head to the LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk with an unannounced payout.
AAC Championship: No. 24 Army 35, Tulane 14
Army made history last night, securing its first conference championship by defeating last season’s conference champion, Tulane. The Black Knights took control early, scoring 7 points in the first quarter and 14 more in the second to lead 21-7 at halftime. Army continued to dominate in the second half, adding a touchdown in the third and sealing the victory with another score in the fourth. Despite the dominant performance and impressive season, Army’s playoff hopes remain slim. Army lacks victories against top-25 competition and were blown out by No. 4 Notre Dame in late November. Bowl games with AAC tie-ins include the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, the Military Bowl, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, the Hawaii Bowl, and others.
Conference USA Championship: Jacksonville State 52, Western Kentucky 12
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Rich Rodriguez of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks … [+] celebrates a win over the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns after the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome on December 16, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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Another first from Friday night: Jacksonville State won its first Conference USA championship in just its second year at the FBS level. The Gamecocks took an early lead, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and adding another 14 in the second to go into halftime with a commanding 28-6 advantage. They maintained control in the second half, fueled by a strong performance from quarterback Tyler Huff, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. The season’s success for Jacksonville State has stoked rumors that head coach Rich Rodriguez may be a candidate for the job opening at West Virginia, where he coached from 2001-2007. While neither team had a real shot at the College Football Playoff, both are expected to play in bowl games, with CUSA tie-ins including the Bahamas Bowl, Frisco Bowl, Hawaii Bowl, and R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.