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College football is heating up, and as we enter the final weeks of the regular season, there are several key matchups and playoff scenarios that could have lasting implications for the Group of Five conferences and beyond. From the intense battles in Conference USA to the bitter rivalries that fuel college football passion, the upcoming weekend promises to deliver drama, heartbreak, and electrifying action. Let’s break down what’s at stake in the Group of Five championships and preview some of the most exciting rivalry games of the season.
The Group of Five conferences are often overlooked when compared to the powerhouses of the Power Five, but they are far from inconsequential. For many schools, these conference title games offer a shot at recognition on a national stage. Let’s take a look at the current standings and what’s on the line in each conference as we head into rivalry week.
The American Athletic Conference championship game is nearly set. The battle is between Army and Tulane, with both teams playing for a chance to secure a spot in a major bowl game. This weekend’s action could solidify the matchup, with Army hosting UTSA and Tulane facing Memphis. If both teams win out, Army will have the home-field advantage in the title game, but if one team falters, the other will take that advantage.
The winner of this game could find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff (CFP), but they’ll be firmly in the hunt for a New Year’s Six bowl bid. This game might not have CFP implications, but for Group of Five programs, it’s about making a statement and proving their worth.
Conference USA is one of the most chaotic conferences heading into the final weekend. Jacksonville State has already clinched a spot in the championship game, but who they face is still up in the air. Liberty, Western Kentucky, and Sam Houston State are all still alive, and the scenarios are complex.
With such a logjam, expect a lot of movement in the standings over the final weekend. Jacksonville State has a significant advantage, but the drama is far from over.
The MAC is one of the more straightforward conferences this year, with a few key games determining the final conference championship contenders. Miami of Ohio and Bowling Green are set to face off, and the winner will punch its ticket to the title game. On the other side, Ohio is looking to keep its championship hopes alive, with a matchup against Ball State. If Ohio wins, they’ll secure their spot in the championship, but a loss would open the door for Buffalo.
Expect Miami and Ohio to be the two teams battling it out in the final game, with plenty of drama leading up to that showdown.
The Mountain West championship is nearly set, with Boise State locking in its spot. The question now is whether UNLV or Colorado State will join them. UNLV has the inside track, but a loss paired with a Colorado State win would throw a wrench into things. As of now, it’s safe to say that Boise State is the frontrunner, but the action this weekend could still have a dramatic effect on the final standings.
The Sun Belt is perhaps the most volatile of the Group of Five conferences heading into the final week. The East Division is still up for grabs, with Marshall leading the way but needing a win over James Madison to clinch the title game spot. If they lose, Georgia Southern could steal their place with a win over App State.
In the West Division, Louisiana currently holds the lead but will need to win against ULM to maintain their spot in the championship. If Louisiana falters, teams like Arkansas State and South Alabama could jump into contention. The Sun Belt’s unpredictable nature makes it one of the most exciting conferences to watch as the regular season winds down.
While conference championships are crucial, Rivalry Week is what college football fans live for. From fierce rivalries with decades of history to the newer but no less passionate matchups, this week promises to deliver all the excitement fans crave. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing rivalry games:
This rivalry is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most underrated in college football. Louisville had a strong start to the season, but a series of tough losses has them fighting to finish with an 8-4 record. On the other hand, Kentucky is dealing with a quarterback situation as freshman Cutter Bown has taken over for Brock Vandergriff. Despite the challenges, both teams will be playing with pride on the line.
Expect a hard-fought, high-energy game that could determine the momentum for both teams heading into the offseason.
This game in the Big 12 may not have the same historical significance as some other rivalries, but it is critical for both teams’ bowl aspirations. Kansas has had a solid season and is hoping to secure its first bowl appearance in several years, while Baylor is fighting for an outside shot at the Big 12 Championship. With both teams playing for something important, this game will be one to watch, especially given the explosive rushing attacks from both teams.
This game has not had the stakes it usually does in recent years, but the rivalry between these two teams remains intense. Florida State has had an up-and-down season and needs a win to salvage some pride. Florida, under head coach Billy Napier, has been a topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons, but the Gators will be determined to finish the season strong. With both teams having a lot to prove, this game could be a fascinating clash of styles and strategies.
This is another rivalry that’s more about pride than playoff implications, but it’s one worth watching. Oklahoma is riding high after a big win against Alabama, and they’ll be looking to carry that momentum forward. LSU, on the other hand, is trying to regroup after a disappointing season. While both teams may not be in the playoff picture, a strong showing here could set the stage for big things in 2025.
As rivalry week unfolds, the College Football Playoff race is becoming increasingly unpredictable. With the final rankings just around the corner, every game—whether it’s in the Group of Five or among the Power Five—could shift the balance of power. This weekend is one of the last chances for teams to make a statement and either secure their place or play spoiler.
The next few days will be full of high stakes and high drama, from the Group of Five championships to the iconic rivalry games that make college football one of the most exciting sports to follow. Whether it’s Army looking to secure a title in the AAC, Jacksonville State battling for Conference USA glory, or Louisville and Kentucky battling for state pride, every game is a chance for teams to make their mark.
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