The race for college football conference titles is intensifying as teams vie for positions in the upcoming playoff. With the expansion of the playoff system, champions from top leagues can secure automatic bids, increasing the stakes for teams competing for their respective conference titles. The varying structures of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conferences create a dynamic and sometimes chaotic environment as teams battle for a chance at glory.
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Currently, Virginia stands as the sole unbeaten team in the ACC with a record of 5-0. Following closely are Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh, both at 5-1, while Louisville, SMU, and Duke each hold a record of 4-1. The conference’s tiebreakers are crucial, as Virginia has defeated Louisville, Georgia Tech has bested Duke, and Louisville has a win over Pitt. As the season progresses, Duke will face Virginia on November 15, while Georgia Tech hosts Pitt and SMU takes on Louisville the following week. Miami (2-2) could further complicate matters if they defeat Pitt on November 29.
Betting odds suggest that Georgia Tech and Duke are both seen as strong contenders, with odds listed at +300 according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
American Athletic Conference (AAC)
In the AAC, Navy leads the pack with a record of 5-1 following a recent loss to North Texas. Six teams, including Memphis, North Texas, South Florida, Tulane, and East Carolina, are closely trailing with one loss each. With the AAC champion potentially earning a Group of Five bid to the 12-team playoff, every game matters. Key matchups include Memphis facing Tulane on November 8 and Navy hosting South Florida on the same day.
Big 12 Conference
Moving to the Big 12, BYU is currently in first place with a perfect record of 5-0. Texas Tech and Cincinnati follow at 5-1, while Houston, Utah, and Arizona State are in pursuit with records of 4-2. Tiebreakers are significant, as BYU has victories over Utah and Texas Tech. Upcoming games include BYU visiting Texas Tech on November 8 and Cincinnati on November 22.
BetMGM lists Texas Tech as the betting favorite at -200.
Big Ten Conference
In the Big Ten, Indiana stands undefeated at 6-0, while Ohio State is 5-0, and they will not meet in the regular season. Michigan, Iowa, Oregon, and Southern California are also in contention. Tiebreakers include Indiana’s wins over Iowa and Oregon, while USC holds a victory against Michigan. Key matchups are on the horizon, including Iowa hosting Oregon on November 8 and Michigan facing Ohio State on November 29. Ohio State is favored with betting odds of -155.
Conference USA
Although Conference USA teams are not in playoff contention, the race for the conference title remains competitive. Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State are both undefeated in conference play at 4-0, while Western Kentucky and Liberty follow closely. Jacksonville State’s win over Liberty could be pivotal. Upcoming games include Kennesaw State visiting Jacksonville State on November 15.
Mid-American Conference (MAC)
In the MAC, every team has at least three losses, but Miami, Ohio leads with a 4-0 record. Buffalo and Western Michigan both possess 4-1 records. Tiebreakers are essential, with Miami’s victory over Western Michigan being significant. Miami will face Ohio on November 8 and Buffalo on November 19.
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West had a representative in last season’s playoff, but currently, only San Diego State (4-0) and UNLV (2-2) have fewer than three losses overall. Boise State is in second place with a record of 4-1. Tiebreakers include San Diego State’s win over Fresno State. Key matchups include San Diego State traveling to Hawaii on November 8 and hosting Boise State the following week.
SEC Conference
In the SEC, Texas A&M and Alabama are tied at 5-0, with Mississippi and Georgia close behind at 5-1. Key tiebreakers include Alabama’s victory over Georgia. Texas faces Georgia on November 15 and hosts Texas A&M on November 28. Alabama is currently favored at +115 according to betting odds.
Sun Belt Conference
The Sun Belt is witnessing a competitive race, particularly with James Madison leading the East Division at 5-0, followed closely by Coastal Carolina at 4-1. In the West, Southern Mississippi also boasts a 4-0 record. Tiebreakers include Arkansas State’s win over Troy. The upcoming game on November 29 between James Madison and Coastal Carolina could be decisive.
With the conference races heating up, every matchup and interplay of results will impact the playoff landscape significantly as teams aim for their shot at the title. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the final weeks of the season unfold.
