Imagine a stadium buzzing with energy so intense that you can feel the ground vibrate under your feet—this is the electrifying reality of college football's Group of 5 teams flourishing under the expanded College Football Playoff era, where underdogs are finally getting their spotlight. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this inclusivity truly leveling the playing field, or is it just a temporary thrill before the powerhouse conferences reclaim dominance? Let's dive into the excitement from North Texas versus USF and explore how this shift is reshaping the game for everyone.
Right now, The Athletic is providing live updates on the Texas vs. Oklahoma showdown in the Red River Rivalry, a clash that's always a highlight of the season (check it out here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/oklahoma-vs-texas-live-updates-score-result-college-football-week-7/VOkcVhJMJfH1/). Meanwhile, over in Denton, Texas, the scene was equally captivating on Friday night, challenging the usual stereotype of sparse crowds at Group of 5 games. You know those tailgate parties on the hill run by fraternities? They've sometimes dwarfed the actual attendance inside the stands. But not this time—not with the biggest matchup in North Texas's history unfolding, complete with high stakes that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The College Football Playoff's growth to include 12 teams has proven to be a resounding triumph, and the atmosphere in Denton vividly illustrated why. Group of 5 football isn't just solid; it's exhilarating and full of heart, injecting vitality into the entire sport by offering optimism to programs that once felt sidelined. North Texas kicked off their season with five straight victories for the first time since 1959, inching them toward their inaugural spot in the AP Top 25 rankings since way back then. Facing off against No. 24 USF, who had already toppled Florida and Boise State, the stage was set for something special. The outcome? The largest turnout in UNT's history—31,386 eager spectators—and the very first sellout at DATCU Stadium. Real postseason implications for both squads undeniably fueled that turnout, turning a routine game into an unforgettable event.
What unfolded was a lively showdown: A roaring crowd, a deadlock at halftime, but ultimately a decisive 63-36 victory for USF in what turned into a rout after the break. As USF's head coach Alex Golesh put it, pounding the table for emphasis, 'I did tell our guys last night, the reason it’s a sellout is because the Bulls are in town.' It was a moment of triumph that highlighted the Bulls' prowess.
And this is the part most people miss—the ripple effects that prove how interconnected these rivalries have become. Just the night before, Tulane, fresh off an upset win against Duke earlier in the year, clashed with East Carolina, a team that had given NC State a run for their money in Week 1 and even defeated them in the previous year's Military Bowl. Tulane emerged victorious, solidifying their position as serious contenders in the CFP hunt.
One of the shrewdest decisions made by the trio of commissioners and Notre Dame's athletic director Jack Swarbrick when designing the 12-team playoff structure was awarding automatic spots to the top six conference winners (adjusted to five following the Pac-12's dissolution). This ensures at least one Group of 5 program earns entry into the expanded field. Remember when undefeated UCF was excluded from the four-team playoff in 2017 and 2018? That was the wake-up call that spurred change, creating a fairer system where, for the first time in over 150 years of the sport, every team has a credible shot at glory.
'It’s critical that the playoff is an inclusive opportunity,' explained American Athletic Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti, who was present at Friday's game. 'Our coaches are recruiting kids, telling them we have an opportunity to play for the national championship with access to the Playoff.' It's a powerful message that democratizes the dream.
Sure, USF isn't poised to claim the national title—they recently fell 49-12 to No. 2 Miami. Yet, they've shown grit by defeating Florida on the road, a feat that even preseason favorite Texas couldn't achieve. These Bulls are speedy and skilled; I'd wager they're superior to several Power 4 squads out there. And while the leading Group of 5 team might currently sit outside the top 12, that's not a disaster—ACC powerhouse Clemson faced the same situation last season.
But here's where the debate heats up: If a Power 4 team with just a few losses gets edged out, you can bet on cries for further expansion. The Big Ten and SEC are already pondering how to grow the playoff, though they haven't aligned yet. We might stick with 12 teams next year if they can't agree, but they've tweaked the seeding this season to prevent anomalies like Boise State snagging an undeserved first-round bye. Still, maintaining that Group of 5 pathway is crucial for college football—it elevates game significance and helps stadiums like North Texas's fill to capacity.
Keep an eye on the American Athletic Conference; it's gearing up for a nail-biting stretch with intense matchups. USF is ranked, Memphis sits at 6-0 and No. 23, and they'll square off on October 25. Tulane, boasting victories over two Power 4 foes, visits Memphis on November 7, while Memphis hosts undefeated Navy on Thanksgiving night. Navy, in turn, faces North Texas on November 1. At this juncture, it would shock everyone if the American champion doesn't secure a CFP berth, barring some self-inflicted chaos within the league.
'A lot of the programs in this conference are rising, and the support is rising with it,' Pernetti noted, capturing the upward trajectory.
Of course, the Football Bowl Subdivision might be sprawling too wide. For some teams, facing elite Power 4 opponents raises concerns about athlete well-being—you might wonder if a drop to the Football Championship Subdivision, like Idaho did, would better suit them for safer, more winnable competitions. Yet, the elite echelon of Group of 5 programs has consistently proven its mettle. Think of TCU and Utah ascending to dominance in the Big 12 and Pac-12, or SMU transitioning from American champs to a perfect 9-0 in ACC regular seasons. Even with Power 4 conferences poaching top talent via the transfer portal, squads like USF, Tulane, and Memphis have still prevailed against SEC and Big Ten foes this year. Interestingly, these three are the league's biggest investors in player compensation, with USF leading the pack. Take Tulane, for instance—they lost star quarterback Darian Mensah to Duke over the summer and still managed to outplay the Blue Devils this season.
College football as a whole is experiencing a renaissance: Viewership numbers are climbing, and post-pandemic attendance is rebounding after prolonged dips. Group of 5 Thursday night matchups on ESPN draw solid audiences, and even North Texas—alma mater of legends like Mean Joe Greene and Stone Cold Steve Austin—drawing a record crowd to send fans home disappointed yet hopeful is a testament to the sport's health.
While the Big Ten and SEC debate the extent of future playoff growth, the original expansion's aim wasn't merely about crowning a winner. It was about fostering more impactful contests for a broader array of teams—and that's already unfolding. There might be boundaries to how expansive we can go at the pinnacle level, but the pregame buzz and halftime intensity in Denton, culminating in a blowout, reminded us all that college football thrives when inclusivity unlocks its full potential.
What do you think? Is the CFP's expansion truly a game-changer for underdogs, or do you believe the Power 4 conferences will eventually dominate again? Does the focus on Group of 5 success distract from player safety concerns in mismatches? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that this inclusivity is revitalizing the sport, or is it just a band-aid on deeper structural issues?
