UNLV makes history in their second Power Four win of the 2024 season making a case for the CFP

History was made on Friday night, in what looked to be just another primetime college football game, one that could go either way, but ended up being one of the best games of the year so far. And, in the process of that, some huge plays were made, and history was achieved by the UNLV Runnin Rebels, who beat the Kansas Jayhawks on the road.

With a recent College Football Playoffs rule change, the Rebels have now made a legit case that by the year's end, they could be right there with the 11 other best teams in the country.

The CFP has transitioned to a 5+7 format, meaning the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically qualify for the playoff, along with the next seven highest-ranked teams, regardless of conference affiliation.

Since there are only five automatic bids for conference champions, and considering the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC) typically have higher-ranked teams, the highest-ranked Group of Five champions will secure one of these automatic bids if they rank among the top five conference champions. If not, they would still have a chance through the at-large bids but are not guaranteed a spot unless they are among the top seven additional teams selected.

So, if UNLV wins out, they could make the CFP, and, who knows what happens from there, they could have a TCU-type season.

Obviously, it's only been three weeks, but UNLV is already showing they belong. They have two Power Four wins this year, with both being on the road against the Houston Cougars and now the Kansas Jayhawks. And, this is the first time since 1984 that the Rebels have started 3-0.

The last time that happened, Randal Cunningham was the quarterback. This time, it's Matthew Sluka, who continues to amaze with his legs every game. He's the first QB since 2022 for the Rebels to have 100 rush yards in a game.

Obviously, the Rebels still have to worry about a team like Boise State, who almost beat the top-ten-ranked Oregon Ducks last week and are also very good. But, this is a start to making the case for the CFP. They need to get their passing game fixed and work on finding ways to get star wide receiver Ricky White more involved against great defenses, because the run won't always work, especially against a team with a better defensive front than Kansas has, which isn't very good.

They have Fresno State next, then a very good Syracuse team, and then Boise State, and Oregon State. The hunt is on, and be on the lookout for Barry Odom and his Runnin Rebels.

Related: UNLV head coach Barry Odom just laid down the hammer on why his team should be ranked in the top 25