What's Happening?
The Athletic's Joe Rexrode has highlighted five programs from the American Athletic Conference as leading contenders for a College Football Playoff spot. These teams include the Memphis Tigers, USF Bulls, North Texas Mean Green, Navy Midshipmen, and Tulane Green Wave. Memphis, under head coach Ryan Silverfield, recently achieved a significant victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks, enhancing their playoff prospects. The Tigers' strong rushing game, led by running back Sutton Smith and quarterback Brendon Lewis, is a key factor in their success. Memphis is set to face three of the other four contenders in conference play, excluding North Texas. Meanwhile, USF, North Texas, and Navy have also shown strong performances, with USF defeating South Carolina State and North Texas overcoming Army. Tulane, however, suffered a heavy defeat against Ole Miss.
Why It's Important?
The identification of these teams as playoff contenders underscores the competitive nature of the Group of 5 conferences, which often face challenges in gaining recognition compared to the Power 4 conferences. Success for these teams could lead to increased visibility and opportunities for players and programs within the American Athletic Conference. The performance of these teams also impacts the broader landscape of college football, as they vie for a coveted playoff spot that could bring significant financial and reputational benefits. The unpredictability of Group of 5 football, due to frequent roster changes and poaching by larger programs, adds an element of intrigue to the season.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, Memphis will need to maintain its strong performance against its conference rivals to solidify its playoff contention. The outcomes of key matchups against USF, Navy, and Tulane will be crucial in determining the Tigers' playoff fate. Other contenders like North Texas and Navy will also aim to capitalize on their early successes to strengthen their playoff bids. The dynamics within the American Athletic Conference will continue to evolve, with each game potentially altering the playoff landscape.
