CFP odds: Evaluating the futures field for the Group of 6 - ESPN

We usually talk about the College Football Playoff, the national title race and the Heisman Trophy for this piece, but I want to take this in a different direction this week.

A couple of those conversations are getting repetitive. For now, Jeremiah Smith is still the Heisman favorite, while the national title odds have the usual suspects up at the top like last week: Notre Dame, Miami and Ohio State.

So let's look beyond the usual names: Boise State, New Mexico, Oregon State, UTSA and Louisiana Tech. Why them?

All five have only lost to Power Four opponents, and they are making a case as possible playoff contenders. That gets my attention, but it doesn't automatically get my money.

Here's where the teams (and their prices) separate.

Odds by DraftKings and subject to change.

I don't love laying -172 on a futures ticket. I get that. But its defense gives me the most material to trust.

The Lobos can defend the run, cover receivers and generate pressure. Their only loss was 14-6 at Oklahoma and the defensive strength holds up after adjusting for opponents. This isn't just a team beating up on bad offenses.

The remaining schedule generally fits, too. San Jose State, Nevada and Wyoming have passing limitations, while UNLV and Air Force visit Albuquerque. New Mexico shouldn't regularly need 35 points to win, which is a good thing because the passing offense is their primary concern.

Long third downs can become dead possessions, and the 21-16 win over North Dakota State showed how tight things can get.

Still, the Lobos lead the Mountain West and have already beaten a principal challenger. At -172, New Mexico isn't a bargain, but it is my most defensible pick. I trust its defense and remaining path more than I like the price.

Bo