The Group of Six race took a huge turn last week, as a top contender fell from the ranks. This week could do the same, as there are some major matchups on deck. The race for the No. 12 seed in the College Football Playoffs is as intense as ever.

The Frontrunner: Boise State (Pac-12)

After the College Football Playoff Committee released their second official rankings Tuesday night, Boise State was the highest G6 team at No. 24. So, if the season ended today, they would be in the playoffs.

They are 8-1 on the year, with a close loss to Oregon, and wins over Memphis, South Dakota, Western Michigan, Utah State, Fresno State, Washington State, Texas State and Colorado State. Boise is also ranked in the AP Poll, where they were voted No. 17 this week.

Looking at the rest of the season for the Broncos, they have their hands full. They have a pivotal game Saturday at 6 p.m. as they host the Oregon State Beavers, an extremely talented squad. College Gameday will be in attendance, which shows just how important this one is. This game will likely make or break their season. Their quarterback Maddux Madsen is questionable at the time of this writing. After that, they host a top-half team in the Pac-12 standings in San Diego State to close out the regular season.

Just Behind: New Mexico (Mountain West)

While Boise has the lead, the Lobos are mere inches away. In the AP Poll, they dropped a spot to No. 23, just six spots back from the Broncos. This is a team waiting to pounce on that No. 1 spot as soon as they get the opportunity.

The Lobos are also 8-1 on the year with a close loss to Oklahoma, and wins over Central Michigan, Mercyhurst, New Mexico State, UTEP, Hawaii, North Dakota State, San Jose State and Nevada.

Looking at the rest of the season for the Lobos, they don’t have it easy. They are set to host UNLV Saturday night, travel to Wyoming and host Air Force. Wyoming, UNLV and Air Force all make up the top five of the Mountain West standings. At this point, all the Lobos can do is win games and hope Boise slips up.

Lurking: Liberty (Conference USA)

The Flames are currently lurking behind in the race but they aren’t out. UTSA was eliminated from the race last week, moving Liberty up to No. 3 in our rankings. In the AP Poll, they garnered 14 votes this week, putting them at No. 29. Liberty will likely need mistakes from other contenders to make the playoffs.

The Flames are 8-1 on the season, meaning all three contenders are sitting in the same spot. Their only loss on the year is to James Madison, while they have beaten Gardner-Webb, Ball State, Coastal Carolina, Delaware, Sam Houston State, Kennesaw State, FIU and New Mexico State.

The Flames will have to win out to have a chance, meaning they still need to beat Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky and Missouri State. Plus, they will have to win the CUSA Championship Game, which will likely be against Jax State, who is also 5-0 in CUSA play. Their remaining regular season opponents are all bunched together in the middle of the conference, meaning winning out is manageable. Waiting for other teams to slip up is the harder task.