Predicting College Football’s Group of 5 Conference Winners

C-USA - Liberty Flames

C-USA Championship Odds: -195
Odds to Make CFP: +440

Last year's college football darlings, the Liberty Flames, look to recapture the glory of their perfect regular season. Of course, it all came crashing down in the Fiesta Bowl, but that doesn't dampen their outlook heading into 2024. 

This was an offseason of change for the Flames. Liberty lost several prominent starters, including top pass-catcher CJ Daniels and stalwart defender Tyren Dupree. Still, there's plenty of firepower to get the Flames to the top of the C-USA standings. 

Led by Kaidon Salter and Quinton Cooley, Liberty's offense will run rampant over the mediocre competition all season long. But without a meaningful non-conference matchup on their schedule, the Flames might be relegated to watching the College Football Playoff from home. 

AAC - Memphis Tigers

AAC Championship Odds: +210
Odds to Make CFP: +550

A reloaded Memphis Tigers squad leads the way in the AAC, ready to avenge the bitter end of the 2023 campaign. With Seth Henigan back under center and Roc Taylor leading the receivers corps, Memphis is the AAC team to beat this season. 

Senior transfer Mario Anderson steps in for Blake Watson, assuming the leadback responsibilities. He should have no problem churning out yards behind the best offensive line in the conference. Linebacker Chandler Martin captains a solid defensive unit that fills all the necessary gaps via the transfer portal. 

The betting line on the Tigers to win the AAC is too short. Now is the time to bet on Memphis.

MAC - Toledo Rockets

MAC Championship Odds: +320
Odds to Make CFP: +3000

When the Toledo Rockets take to the field at the end of August, they'll be doing so with an experienced-laden roster and as two-time defending MAC Championship finalists. Granted, last season ended in disappointment, but the Rockets will be ready to avenge last year's defeat.

Toledo returns its entire receiving corps from last year, which led the conference in yards per game. Junior signal-caller Tucker Gleason takes over under center, but he should have no problem picking up where Dequan Finn left off. Moreover, Jacquez Stuart takes over as the lead back, looking to build off his 574 yards and six touchdowns last season.

The Rockets beat their opponents with offense and will take off again in 2024.

Sun Belt - Appalachian State Mountaineers

Sun Belt Championship Odds: +270
Odds to Make CFP: +1400

Shawn Clark is ready to lead the Appalachian State Mountaineers to their ninth bowl game in 11 years since joining the FBS ranks and their first Sun Belt Championship since 2019. He has the personnel to make the jump and the betting odds in his favor. 

The Mountaineers, led by senior quarterback Joey Aguilar, enter the 2024 campaign as the odds-on favorites to claim their first conference championship under Clark. Aguilar's job will be made easier by the return of his entire receiving corps from last season. Kaedin Robinson was the best of the bunch, going off for 905 yards and ten scores. 

Nate Noel may have departed for greener pastures, but Kanye Roberts can fill in as the lead-back. Roberts outpaced Noel in yards per carry and touchdowns and will benefit from the increased touches. 

Appalachian State will force Sun Belt teams to keep pace with them, and few can. They are the rightful claim to the top spot in the conference power rankings to open the season.

C-USA - Liberty Flames

C-USA Championship Odds: -195
Odds to Make CFP: +440

Last year's college football darlings, the Liberty Flames, look to recapture the glory of their perfect regular season. Of course, it all came crashing down in the Fiesta Bowl, but that doesn't dampen their outlook heading into 2024. 

This was an offseason of change for the Flames. Liberty lost several prominent starters, including top pass-catcher CJ Daniels and stalwart defender Tyren Dupree. Still, there's plenty of firepower to get the Flames to the top of the C-USA standings. 

Led by Kaidon Salter and Quinton Cooley, Liberty's offense will run rampant over the mediocre competition all season long. But without a meaningful non-conference matchup on their schedule, the Flames might be relegated to watching the College Football Playoff from home.