30 games that will eventually decide the 12-team College Football Playoff

Every year, a few games change the scope and brevity of the race towards the College Football Playoff. This year, one game already made a major impact, and these 30 others should give us a look into who will participate in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) celebrates a tackle against Ohio State. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

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18. Liberty vs. Appalachian State: Sep. 28

Honestly, this game being so early in the season feels like a crime. We haven’t had enough time to really look at the schedule to see who is fighting for a Playoff spot by the end of September, but this game has serious implications to who that Group of Five team will be. We mentioned earlier how Appalachian State is the winningest team since the Playoff started to never make it. Maybe this year that can change.

However, many are steeped on the Liberty bandwagon. That’s thanks to Kaidon Salter. He might be the most talented dual-threat in the league, putting up 1,000 yards rushing last season to go along with 32 passing touchdowns. He’s the Patrick Mahomes of the Group of Five. He at teams felt unstoppable.

This is the game on the Liberty schedule. It doesn’t matter whether they are the best team in the Group of Five or not. Their schedule is patty cake easy. They have a very good chance of going undefeated, but this is the real test. App State not only has the pedigree, but they still produce talent.

Joey Aguilar was really good last season. He will likely grow even more this season, as the offense is expected to win the day for the Mountaineers. Circle this game on the calendar. If it was happening in November, you’d be all over it. Still, it will be must-see TV.

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