CUSA is “guaranteed” 7 spots a year until the end of the 2025 season. Though, the conference could only get 6 this year since a P5 v P5 bowl was canceled. There’s no chance a P5 team will sit at home, while CUSA and MAC teams go bowling. Bahamas and New Orleans are every year and this year a CUSA team will play against BYU in the Independence Bowl. Other bowls are determined by ESPN.
Already eligible - UTSA (7-0), UTEP (6-1)
Close to eligible - UAB (5-2)
Almost eliminated - ODU (1-6), USM (1-6)
Also bad - FIU (1-5), UNT (1-5)
That leaves 7 teams fighting for 3 spots - Charlotte (4-2), Marshall (4-3), FAU (3-3), WKU, MTSU, LaTech, and Rice all (2-4).
It’s very possible that UTEP is a “lock” at this point, but we’re a long way from finding out where. Bahamas would suck for fans, but is nice for the players. While the NM Bowl is nice for fans, but sucks for the players, especially since we play there next season.
Already eligible - UTSA (7-0), UTEP (6-1)
Close to eligible - UAB (5-2)
Almost eliminated - ODU (1-6), USM (1-6)
Also bad - FIU (1-5), UNT (1-5)
That leaves 7 teams fighting for 3 spots - Charlotte (4-2), Marshall (4-3), FAU (3-3), WKU, MTSU, LaTech, and Rice all (2-4).
It’s very possible that UTEP is a “lock” at this point, but we’re a long way from finding out where. Bahamas would suck for fans, but is nice for the players. While the NM Bowl is nice for fans, but sucks for the players, especially since we play there next season.