ESPN’s College GameDay is back in action to kick off the 2024 season.
Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit, and Nick Saban discussed the Week 0 slate of games as well as the new expanded College Football Playoff. With one Group of 5 team guaranteed to make it in, many have had fun predicting who could get that spot. On Saturday, the GameDay crew weighed in on the debate.
“So, who is the best team in the Group of 5?” asked Davis.
“I’m going with Jamey Chadwell and Liberty, I think they’re looking at their second-straight undefeated regular season,” declared Howard.
McAfee and Herbstreit both chose Boise State, while Saban went with Memphis.
Which Group of 5 teams could make the CFP this year? pic.twitter.com/Oxn3W8jtTK
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 24, 2024
McAfee pointed to stud running back Ashton Jeanty as a reason to believe in Boise State, while Herbstreit mentioned the team’s decision to start Maddux Madsen at quarterback.
“I think the team can really rally around that (QB decision), and this is one of those years where that blue turf, they can be in the Playoff,” Herbstreit said.
Humorously, Saban pointed out that he spent his “entire coaching career” accosting those who “speculate, make predictions, and ask hypothetical questions,” and now the legendary coach himself is in that position.
Twelve teams will make the College Football Playoff in 2024, and most teams will begin their journey to make the Playoff next week. Boise State has the shortest odds of any G5 team to make the CFP, priced at +400 on FanDuel. Liberty is next at +440. Memphis is +550 to make the CFP despite playing in what is typically regarded as the toughest G5 conference.
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOKBET $5, GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
