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One of these two Group of Five teams could barge into the CFP
Powered by strong rushing attacks and solid defenses, Mountain West schools Boise State and UNLV are starting to build resumes to gain the attention of the College Football Playoff committee. The playoff has expanded from four to 12 teams for the 2024 season.
The season is young and much could change between now and Nov. 5, the day the first CFP rankings will be released. But now's a good time to get to know two unheralded teams college football fans may be talking much more about in late fall.
Boise State's Ashton Jeanty leads the charge
Boise State, currently navigating a tough Mountain West schedule, has a path to the CFP if it can win out and capture the conference championship. Spearheading the team is running back Ashton Jeanty, the nation’s leader in rushing yards (459) and touchdowns (nine) through two games.
In Boise State’s narrow 37-34 loss to then-No. 7 Oregon in Eugene, Jeanty wowed Ducks coach Dan Lanning by rushing for 192 yards on 25 carries.
"I think he's the best running back I've seen since I've been here," the third-year Oregon coach told reporters.
In Boise State's gritty 56-45 win over Georgia Southern, Jeanty rushed for 267 yards on 20 carries. For the season, the junior is averaging 10.2 yards per carry.
#RB1 Ashton Jeanty currently leads the FBS in...
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 9, 2024
Rushing yards: 459
Rushing TDs: 9
Forced missed tackles: 22 pic.twitter.com/uRJyGNMhmG
Boise State’s ability to run the ball efficiently and create turnovers gives it a formula that could be problematic for any top team the Broncos face. Lanning called their defense "exotic."
“They do a lot of different things. I think they create, you know, preparation — it makes it tough because of the different units they use and how much they move around," he said, per On3.com. "Do a really good job mixing coverages and changing things. So, it’s a tough one to prepare for.”
If Boise State continues its early-season success and win the Mountain West championship, the Broncos could be a dark horse in the CFP race.
UNLV’s go-go offense and ground game
UNLV is another surprise in the Group of Five, thanks in large part to offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s “Go-Go” offense, which features a two-running back formation. The Rebels’ ground attack is one of the most formidable in the country, averaging 349 rushing yards per game (third nationally), according to the NCAA.
This TD by TC > pic.twitter.com/sPH5sxmjUj
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) September 9, 2024
Last season, the Rebels ranked third in the country in rushing touchdowns with 39 and averaged 173.5 yards per game on the ground.
This year’s attack looks even more potent with playmakers such as freshman RB Greg Burrell and sophomore RB Jai’Den Thomas. Their relentless tempo and running style wear down defenses, but they will face a major test Friday night in a nationally televised game at Kansas (1-1).
If UNLV can upset Kansas and stay undefeated, it will strengthen its case as a contender for a Group of Five bid in the CFP.
Their paths won’t be easy, but with the introduction of the 12-team playoff format, along with the right combination of wins and some chaos in the Power Five conferences, Boise State and UNLV could position themselves in the hunt for a coveted CFP spot.
More must-reads:
- Return of the Pac: Pac-12 building back up with MWC additions
- Kansas bids to limit miscues in encounter in visit from high-octane UNLV
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
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