11-1! Boise State Broncos is among the very few football teams that have only 1 defeat this season. But where do they stand in the college football rankings after week 14? Well, with one defeat against the No. 1 team, the Oregon Ducks, they are standing at No. 10. Despite 11 wins, Spencer Danielson’s playoff aspirations are facing uncertainty.

Yes! You heard it right. The football season is reaching its climax, and as the regular season ends, teams will play and fight their own conferences. That means Boise State will play their Mountain West championship game against UNLV. But who is winning? Analysts Brad Crawford and Richard Johnson strongly believe that UNLV is making it to the playoffs over Boise State.

On November 4, Brad and Richard discussed the overrated and underrated teams in the week 15 CFP Poll for CBS Sports. Brad backed UNLV from Group of Five conferences and stated, “Sunday, these are the 12 teams that I think will be in the playoff regardless. Well, if Clemson beats SMU, obviously Clemson’s in. I still think SMU is in, but that UNLV-Boise State game is the one that I have circled. I think Boise State can lose that game, and UNLV gets in as the G5 champion.”

Richard jumped in and added, “I completely agree with the UNLV point, by the way, that Brad makes it. UNLV is a good football team, and UNLV pushed this Boise team. When they played in October. They pushed that team; they can beat this Boise team.” 

This is what makes college football different, and the significance is that the CFP structure allows the highest conference championships to enter the playoffs. Does that mean if UNLV wins, they secure a spot in the playoffs? Regardless of Boise State’s strong performance this season, UNLV can take its spot in the playoffs if it wins on Saturday. If UNLV wins, they will be the new underdogs, as this season has already generated buzz and credibility around their football program.

But this means that the pressure is now on Boise State. A victory against UNLV can save them. They must not only desire to win against UNLV but also navigate the implications that a loss could have on their postseason aspirations. Moving forward, let’s hear Barry Odam’s perspective on the playoffs.

“I’m very confident”: Barry Odom

This coming Saturday, college football teams will play their do-or-die games. While Spencer Danielson is under pressure. Barry Odom, UNLV’s head coach, looks confident. That’s what college football rankings can do. In the Monday press conference, Barry said, “We win, we’re in. I mean, I’m very confident.” Well, Spencer, take note of it. He did not say much and just added, “You look at all the different measurable things that go into it; the champion of our league will be in the game.”

Rebels dominated Nevada 38-14 in week 14 and climbed to the No. 20 spot. They have lost two games so far this season. But both the games were very narrow defeats. This impressive performance has set the stage for a crucial matchup against Boise State.

However, we cannot ignore Boise State’s consistent performance, which has made it the highest-rated among the Group of Five teams. Then they have the Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty in their squad, who has been leading the team from the front. Now the big question is, will Jeanty shine at the championship game once again, or will their playoffs come to an end?

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