In modern and old college football, specific conferences are considered better than others. However, now that there is a 12-team college football playoff, multiple group of 5 teams have a chance at glory. After week 5, here are some of the top teams in the group of 5 that could threaten for the college football playoff.
Group of 5 Team Rankings
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5. James Madison (3-1)
The James Madison Dukes have looked rather sharp to begin the season, with their only loss being a 28-14 loss at Louisville. With the Sun Belt being one of the weakest conferences, there is a chance at a potential 11-1 season for the Dukes. After two great victories, James Madison will look to dominate the Sun Belt Conference. As wins could pile up, so could the attention for the Dukes. Watch out for James Madison…
4. North Texas (5-0)
For a team that has been extremely mediocre over the last 4 seasons, North Texas’s 5-0 start has been pretty impressive. The most impressive win was a 59-10 drubbing of the Washington State Cougars. With an upcoming game against USF, North Texas can prove to be a big contender for the American Conference. Interestingly, the conference has also included some strong teams, including three undefeated ones. North Texas feels like an extremely dangerous, undefeated team. After a 5-0 start, there is no reason to write the North Texas Mean Green yet.
3. Tulane (3-1)
Another American Conference giant, Tulane, has looked okay so far this season. Unfortunately, Tulane got absolutely crushed by the Ole Miss Rebels 45-10, which wasn’t what many had expected. Of course, Ole Miss was favored, but not by 35. However, at the same time, Ole Miss has proven to be quite elite while Tulane still has a 20-point win over the Northwestern Wildcats, who obviously aren’t very good but are still a BIG Ten team. Tulane did struggle to put away the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.
However, at the same time, expect the Tulane Green Wave to compete in the American Conference nonetheless. Sometimes, teams cannot keep up with such great talent early in a season. Tulane is still a very good team, and they have been over the last few seasons. USC, Northwestern, and others can attest to it…
2. USF (3-1)
The USF Bulls may have lost a lot of respect because of being killed by No. 5 Miami 49-12. However, at the same time, the USF Bulls have still defeated the Boise State Broncos and Florida Gators, who were both ranked at the time. USF also bounced back against South Carolina State with a 63-10 win. Just because the Bulls lost doesn’t mean they aren’t contenders for the American Conference. With two big wins and a chance at dominating the American Conference, USF is easily still one of the best group of 5 teams there is.
1. Memphis (5-0)
One of the best teams in the group of five this season has been Memphis. The Memphis Tigers defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks before nearly being defeated by the FIU Panthers. Well, at least in the first three quarters, as the Tigers exploded for 31 points in the 4th to propel them to a 55-26 win. Such victories can fuel massive seasons. For Memphis, competing for the American Conference is more than realistic. Memphis does have USF and Tulane on the schedule. However, if they can manage to defeat such teams, oh boy, watch out.
Group of 5 teams have a lot of work to do to get to being in the contender category. However, many of these teams can use wins and other things to propel themselves to being among the best in the country. All of these teams have won pretty big games this season, but the question remains: can they compete for it all? Soon, we may see.
Main Image: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
