5 Non-Power 5 teams that could make the College Football Playoff

Imagine a scenario where BYU finished the year 11-1. If we take this scenario further, imagine that LSU goes undefeated as a 13-0 SEC champion in Ed Orgeron’s first full season as the head coach in Baton Rouge. In that case, the Cougars would be an independent powerhouse whose only loss came to what would likely be the No. 1 team in the country.

How would the College Football Playoff Selection Committee handle the Cougars. Kalani Sitake‘s team has looked like anything but a championship contender so far this season. In addition to the 27-0 loss at LSU, the Cougars also looked lackluster in a 24-10 win against FCS Portland State.

But BYU still features Tanner Mangum, last year’s miracle worker in several Hail Mary victories, at quarterback. They also have a solid replacement for Jamaal Williams at running back in Squally Canada. The defense didn’t look great at LSU, but they have only allowed 317 passing yards in two games and should continue to be strong against the pass.

The selection committee would be faced with a serious conundrum if the Cougars run the table. In addition to the LSU game, BYU also plays Power Five opponents Utah, Wisconsin, and Mississippi State as well as Group of Five powerhouse Boise State. If they go 11-1, the Cougars will certainly have the strength of schedule to merit College Football Playoff consideration.