Most likely non-Power Four teams to make the College Football Playoff

In the two years that the College Football Playoff has been at 12 teams, three teams from the Group of Six, otherwise known as not the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 or ACC, have made the field. That even included a Boise State team that earned a first-round bye. 

Rules were changed so that a G6 team won't be earning a first-round bye again. However, the Playoff still demands at least one team from the G6 make the field.

The highest-ranked team from the American, Pac-12, Mountain West, C-USA, Sun Belt and MAC is going to make the field at a minimum. There's also a chance for an additional at-large team in the field. So, it's worth looking at the team with the best chance to make the Playoff from each G6 conference. 

The American: Memphis Tigers

The Memphis Tigers have a new look with Charles Huff taking over at head coach. Even with that, they've consistently proven through the years that they can compete in The American, and The American has proven it can send teams to the College Football Playoff. Memphis is particularly interesting because it has a big-name QB battle between Marcus Stokes and Air Noland.

Also in contention: The American has plenty of talented teams, like Tulane and USF, that are dealing with turnover due to coaching changes. Also, look out for a good Navy squad.

Pac-12: Boise State Broncos

The Pac-12 would have you believe that it's still a power conference. That isn't how it's perceived nationally, though. Still, it can put a team in the Playoff field, and no team is better suited to make it than Boise State.

Also in contention: The Pac-12 has a few interesting new teams, including an improving San Diego State team and a Fresno State team now coached by Matt Entz. Even Texas State, if it finds its footing in a new home, could surprise some folks. 

Mountain West: UNLV Rebels

The Mountain West has a completely new look after the Pac-12 raided it. What's left behind is a clear favorite in UNLV. The Rebels are investing heavily in their roster under Dan Mullen, and with players like Jackson Arnold entering the program, they're clearly dealing with more raw talent than their peers.

Also in contention: If things go sideways for UNLV, the Mountain West could be wide open. New Mexico and Hawaii both showed promise a season ago. Then, FCS powerhouse North Dakota State is joining up and could make noise.

Sun Belt: James Madison Dukes

James Madison is under new management with Billy Napier coming in to replace Bob Chesney. The roster has also entirely turned over. Still, coming off a Playoff berth and knowing JMU's investment, it's hard to pick against them.

Also in contention: Old Dominion is hoping to replicate a 10-win season from a season ago. Then several proud programs, like App State, Georgia Southern, Troy and Louisiana, all want to surprise JMU, too.

C-USA: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

The name of the game for Western Kentucky is continuity at the quarterback position. Rodney Tisdale Jr. returns and, assuming he takes a step forward, should make Western Kentucky the C-USA favorite.

Also in contention: Because of the money Liberty spends, the Flames will always contend. Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State have also had recent success.

MAC: Miami (OH) Redhawks

In the last three seasons, Miami (OH) has only lost four MAC games. It's investing more money than other MAC schools, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better defense in the conference. It also has two beatable P4 opponents on the schedule to add as highlights to the Playoff Selection Committee. 

Also in contention: In all honesty, it's going to be very difficult for any MAC team to make the Playoff, but other contenders include Western Michigan and Toledo.