There was a moment in the early afternoon last Saturday when three schools: Kansas State, Penn State and Oklahoma State, were struggling against teams they were favored to beat.

Now, moments when the team favored to win finds itself on the losing side of a game in progress are never new. Sometimes, however, you get a sixth sense that it could be a sign of things to come.

The three schools I mentioned all won their games. But when Notre Dame was faced with the same situation the previous three had experienced, the Fighting Irish collapsed like a cheapskate in a surprising 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois.

In a game where the Huskies paid $1.4 million just to get to South Bend, the payout also kicks off a much-hyped run to the playoffs.

No, not the race involving teams like Notre Dame, Texas, Miami and Alabama. But the race for the 12th (or higher) spot that goes to the highest-ranked Group of 5 program.

With NIU’s win over Notre Dame, the MAC not only has a significant victory under their belt, but they now join the Mountain West, American and Sun Belt Conferences with teams people may want to keep an eye on for that coveted G5 playoff seed.

By the end of next week we will be halfway through September. Although we still have a long way to go, it looks like we are ready for a true battle royal with the following schools:

• Northern Illinois
• Boise State
• Freedom
• State of Texas
• Memphis
• Appalachians state

But before we get into that, what does the AL.com Top 25 look like this week?

1. Georgia–Sept. 28, Georgia vs. Alabama. That’s it.
2. State of Ohio–If you’ve heard this before, listen up: Ohio State looks scary.
3. Texas–Speaking of scary, the Longhorns looked like a contender when they beat Michigan on Saturday.
4. Oregon–There is currently a large gap between number 3 and number 4. It may take some time for teams to close that gap.
5. Alabama–Before Georgia plays, Alabama will face Wisconsin. Good luck.
6. Penn State–I still don’t know what to think of the Nittany Lions.
7. Old lady–Call me if they face a real challenge.
8. Utah–Okay Utah, you can stop bashing Baylor now.
9. Miami–By far the best team in the ACC. Don’t let Boston College hear me say that.
10. Missouri–I want to keep an eye on the Missouri team over the next few weeks.
11. State of Oklahoma–I could have qualified for the strangest race of the day, but then it happened: Boise State-Oregon.
12. Tennessee–The Vols’ offense is good, very good.
13. Kansas State–The best game of the week probably comes on Friday, when K-State hosts Arizona in Manhattan.
14. Michigan--Yes, 2023 is still a long way off.
15. USC–Lincoln Riley shows typical USC qualities with his high-flying attack.
16. Nebraska–I’m heavily favoring Nebraska in 2024 so far. They should be undefeated when they play Ohio State later this season.
17. Boise State–Despite the loss to Oregon, they are leaders in the battle for the G5.
18. Notre Dame–The CFP isn’t completely dead, but Notre Dame fans may still want to practice the last rites.
19. Arizona–Inaugural Big 12 game away at Kansas State? Ouch. Good luck, Cats.
20. Louisville–Since SMU doesn’t look like an ACC contender, Louisville isn’t a bad outsider right now.
21. Clemson–Clemson gets 60+ on a good App. State team is a good sign they aren’t completely out of the running.
22. Vanderbilt–Let’s just enjoy Vandy being in a good position while we can.
23. LSU–Away at South Carolina, the biggest SEC game for Brian Kelly since Alabama in 22?
24. Northern Illinois–I mean, do I need to say anything? You’ve all seen it.
25. Freedom–Back-to-back G5 bids are still available for the Flames.

If the season ended today, what would a 12-team playoff look like? There’s always a good time for bracketology, right?

(No. 5 vs. No. 12)–Texas vs. Boise State

(No. 6 vs. No. 11)–Oregon vs. Oklahoma State

(No. 7 vs. No. 10)–Alabama vs. Miami

(No. 8 vs. No. 9)–Penn State vs. Missouri

1. Winner Georgia vs. 8 vs. 9.
2. Winner of Ohio State vs. 7 vs. 10.
3. Winner Utah vs. 6 vs. 11.
4. Miami vs. 5 vs. 12 winner.