As the college football season progresses, the race for conference titles has intensified, particularly with the implications of an expanded playoff format. Champions from major leagues now have the opportunity to secure automatic bids, making each game critical. The landscape of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) has evolved, with most conferences opting for a straightforward matchup between the top two teams, unlike the Sun Belt, which still employs divisions.
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Standings
Currently, Virginia stands as the only unbeaten team in the ACC with a record of 5-0. Following closely are Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh, both at 5-1, with Louisville, SMU, and Duke each having a strong showing at 4-1. Virginia’s head-to-head victory over Louisville and Georgia Tech’s win against Duke are key tiebreakers. Upcoming matchups include Duke hosting Virginia on November 15, and Georgia Tech facing Pittsburgh on November 22. The betting odds favor Georgia Tech and Duke at +300 according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
American Athletic Conference (AAC) Overview
The AAC is witnessing a competitive field, with six teams locked in a battle, each holding one loss: Navy (5-1), Memphis (4-1), North Texas (4-1), South Florida (3-1), Tulane (3-1), and East Carolina (3-1). The winner of this conference could earn the Group of Five bid to the 12-team playoff. Notable tiebreakers include Memphis’s win over South Florida and Tulane’s victory against East Carolina. Key games to watch are Memphis hosting Tulane on November 8 and Navy facing South Florida on the same day.
West Coast Conference Battle
In the West, BYU leads the standings with a perfect record of 5-0, trailed by Texas Tech and Cincinnati, both at 5-1. Tiebreakers are critical, with BYU’s victory over Utah and Texas Tech’s split against Houston and Utah. Upcoming fixtures include a crucial matchup between BYU and Texas Tech on November 15 and BYU visiting Cincinnati on November 22. Betting odds currently favor Texas Tech at -200.
Big Ten Developments
The Big Ten is led by Indiana with an undefeated record of 6-0, while Ohio State follows closely at 5-0. Notably, these two teams will not face each other in the regular season. Michigan, Iowa, Oregon, and Southern California round out the top spots. Significant tiebreakers include Indiana’s wins over Iowa and Oregon, while USC has a victory against Michigan. Key games include Iowa hosting Oregon on November 8 and Michigan welcoming Ohio State on November 29. Ohio State is the betting favorite at -155.
Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference
Although Conference USA teams are not in playoff contention, the title race remains competitive. Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State lead with records of 4-0, while Western Kentucky and Liberty follow. Upcoming matchups include Kennesaw State visiting Jacksonville State on November 15, which will be crucial for both teams. In the Mid-American Conference, Miami, Ohio leads at 4-0, with Buffalo and Western Michigan at 4-1. Tiebreakers may come into play as Miami faces Ohio on November 8.
Mountain West and Southeastern Conference Updates
In the Mountain West, San Diego State tops the standings with a 4-0 record, followed by Boise State at 4-1. San Diego State’s victory over Fresno State is a critical tiebreaker. Key games include San Diego State’s match against Boise State on November 15 and their matchup against New Mexico on November 28.
The Southeastern Conference sees Texas A&M and Alabama both undefeated at 5-0, with Mississippi and Georgia close behind at 5-1. Tiebreakers hinge on Alabama’s win over Georgia and Georgia’s victory against Mississippi. Texas faces Georgia on November 15 and will host Texas A&M on November 28, with Alabama favored at +115.
Sun Belt Conference Dynamics
In the Sun Belt Conference, James Madison leads the East Division with a record of 5-0, while Coastal Carolina is close at 4-1. In the West, Southern Mississippi also stands at 4-0. The potential for a playoff berth exists if James Madison continues its winning streak and other teams face challenges. Key matchups include James Madison at Coastal Carolina on November 29.
As the season progresses, the implications of these conference standings will have lasting effects on playoff opportunities, making every game pivotal for teams across the country.
