For those that haven’t been longtime readers of SoBros Network, I used to be such a staunch supporter of an eight-team College Football Playoff that I devised a playoff format and wrote a weekly column looking at which eight teams would be in. But, no one ever read the thing, so I quit writing it a couple of years ago. Point being – I’ve thought that the current iteration of the College Football Playoff has been imbalanced and unfair for quite awhile now. Eight teams insures that you get every major college football conference champ in, while also giving a spot to the ‘Group of Five.’ With only two wild card spots open, the chances of still actually getting a two-loss team in are pretty long. So, I’ve thought that’s the way to go for several years now.
For the ‘Group of Five’ though, it seems the odds are astronomical that they can get in in the current iteration of the College Football Playoff. UCF went undefeated several years ago and wasn’t even considered (I don’t buy it – don’t tell me you ever seriously did, CFP committee…). This year, Cincinnati essentially HAS to be perfect, and they STILL have to hope for some dominoes to fall in front of them to get a serious look. So, I’ve been saying for awhile now that if there’s absolutely no chance that any of these teams can play for a National Championship, then why not break away and form their own ‘Group of Five’ National Championship tournament?
It is in that spirit that I decided to have some fun today – let’s take my fake eight-team playoff format and apply it strictly to the ‘Group of Five’ for this fictional playoff tournament.
The Group of Five Playoffs
(1) Cincinnati Bearcats (AAC Champion)
(2) UTSA Roadrunners (C-USA Champion)
(3) San Diego State Aztecs (MW Champion)
(4) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt Champion)
(5) Northern Illinois Huskies (MAC Champion)
(6) Houston Cougars (Wild Card #1)
(7) Appalachian State Mountaineers (Wild Card #2)
(8) Utah State Aggies (Wild Card #3)
Round 1
Utah State @ Cincinnati – Thanks for coming, Utah State. Cincinnati is to the Group of Five what the Georgia Bulldogs are to the grander college landscape right now.
App State @ UTSA – I actually think this contest would rule. And, that’s what it’s all about…college football nerds would eat a Group of Five playoff up. Maybe you don’t get the average Joe watching, but it’s not like no one would care about this. In a tense and close contest, UTSA advances.
Houston @ San Diego State – Top to bottom, the Mountain West has some damn good teams in it. I think Houston would be favored in this game, but happening in San Diego, I say the Aztecs pull off the upset.
Northern Illinois @ Louisiana – Don’t look now but the Sun Belt has quietly become a solid “mid-major.” I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Louisiana go on a run through this thing. The only reason Northern Illinois is here is because SOMEONE has to represent the MAC, but they’re way out-classed heere.
Semi-Finals
Louisiana @ Cincinnati – *ahem* Let me update this real quick….”Thanks for coming, Louisiana. Cincinnati is to the Group of Five what the Georgia Bulldogs are to the grander college landscape right now.”
San Diego State @ UTSA – This one’s all about two stout and stingy defenses, but I give UTSA the advantage as the road team.
Group of Five National Championship
UTSA @ Cincinnati – MEEP MEEP! Here come the Roadrunners – I’ll call it right here…upset of the century. They’ll be playing this one for years to come, just like when App State upset Michigan all those years ago. Desmond Ridder fumbles, and the Roadrunners punch it in with Sincere McCormick going for this third touchdown of the game. An outright shocker! UTSA caps off an undefeated season with the Group of Five National Championship!
MAKE THIS HAPPEN! THE GROUP OF FIVE NEEDS TO BAND TOGETHER TO STICK IT TO BIG PLAYOFF! *shakes fist at sky*
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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