The Cincinnati Bearcats won again this weekend, beating the Houston Cougars 38-10 on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Bearcats’ win was less impressive than #8 Florida beating up on #5 Georgia and Texas A&M winning again. Those two games have forced the Bearcats back one spot from #6 to #7 in the country. But don’t worry, things are still looking good for our boys. If they win out, the SEC and ACC are going to beat themselves, allowing for the possibility of the Cats sneaking into the playoffs. Yes, I understand it’s highly unlikely that the committee allows a non power five team in the top 4 and into the playoff, but there’s always hope! So let’s hope the Bearcats continue to dominate their schedule and give them a reason to consider them.
As it stands now, Alabama will most likely play Florida for the SEC championship, and a Florida loss would be beneficial for the Bearcats because that would give Florida two losses. Texas A&M may finish with only the one loss they have now, but won’t play in the SEC championship game over Alabama who will be undefeated. Hopefully that’s enough to keep both of them out, putting the Bearcats as the fifth team, still outside looking in. But, if Clemson plays ND in the ACC championship game and lose for the second time, that might be enough to boost the Bearcats into that fourth playoff spot! Now, unfortunately their prize would be playing an undefeated SEC champion, Nick Sabin-led Alabama. Regardless, how cool would it be for a non-power five team to make it into the playoffs?!