Boise State and Kansas State Secure Vital Wins in College Football Playoff Race

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28/10/2024 17h43

**Boise State and Kansas State Triumph to Stay in College Football Playoff Contention**

As October ends and November begins, the College Football Playoff (CFP) race is heating up, with several teams making significant strides to secure their spots. No. 15 Boise State, continuing its remarkable season, eked out a 29-24 victory over UNLV. The Broncos remain strong contenders despite their sole loss to No. 1 Oregon by only three points, potentially setting the stage for a rematch in the playoffs.

Boise State's impressive performance on Friday night against UNLV has bolstered their playoff resumé. With key victories over a 7-1 Washington State and a 6-2 UNLV, the Broncos are firmly in the conversation for a CFP berth. Their Heisman Trophy candidate running back Ashton Jeanty and a formidable defense have played a pivotal role in their success. If the Broncos finish as a one-loss Mountain West Conference champion, their chances of competing for the national title are high, with the possibility of facing Oregon once more.

Meanwhile, No. 16 Kansas State kept its playoff hopes alive by narrowly beating Kansas 29-27, thanks to a crucial field goal in the closing minutes. The Wildcats, sporting a 4-1 conference record, face an upcoming challenge against No. 11 Iowa State on November 30. This defining game could further shape the playoff landscape, as both teams are in the hunt for a title.

In other noteworthy games, Notre Dame's victory over previously undefeated Navy has strengthened their playoff profile. An 11-1 season record could propel the Fighting Irish into CFP consideration, despite an early loss to Northern Illinois, which continues to look worse with each passing week. Strong showings against teams like Texas A&M and Army have enhanced Notre Dame's standing.

Miami also made a statement with a decisive 36-14 win over Florida State. Head coach Mario Cristobal underscored the importance of this victory, emphasizing Miami's dominance in Florida and the program's upward trajectory. The Hurricanes' performance this season, including wins over Florida and USF, has them sitting at 8-0 with a promising outlook.

The unpredictable nature of the Big 12 conference this year has seen preseason favorites falter and underdogs rise. Teams like BYU, Colorado, and Arizona State have exceeded expectations, reflecting how transfer flexibility and other factors can dramatically reshape the competitive landscape annually.

Oregon, currently ranked No. 1 and boasting an 8-0 record, demonstrated their prowess with a shutout win over Purdue and a commanding performance against Illinois. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks are focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Michigan, which promises to test their undefeated streak.

Lastly, Kansas State's hard-fought victory over Kansas not only kept their playoff dreams alive but also highlighted the team’s resilience. The Wildcats are looking ahead to several critical games, including their clash with Iowa State, which could have significant implications for the Big 12 title and CFP scenarios.

As the season progresses, these storylines will continue to develop, keeping fans and analysts on the edge of their seats as teams vie for a spot in the coveted College Football Playoff.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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