The Cincinnati Bearcats should have completed an undefeated season on New Year's Day, but like always, something went wrong. Cincinnati sports teams are cursed. Who throws the ball on 3rd and 2 with 1:41 left in the game and your opponent has no timeouts left? The Bearcats do, that's who! This is what I was afraid of. Losing to a two win SEC team to prove that you never belonged in consideration for the playoff. Only problem is, we beat ourselves. Georgia only ran for 45 yards on the day and let the Bearcats get out to a 21-10 lead early in the third quarter. But a lackluster offense after that and poor time management skills by the coaching staff proved to be the downfall for the Bearcats.
Failing to convert the 3rd and 2 play left 1:34 in the game for Georgia to drive down the field and kick a game-winning 53 yard field goal. Their kicker's previous record was 51 yards. That go ahead kick gave the Bulldogs a 22-21 lead with just 3 seconds to play. The Bearcats fair catch the ensuing kickoff inside their own five yard line (which you shouldn't do), and promptly get sacked for a safety on the very next, and last, play to end the game 24-21 in favor of Georgia. It was a sad and unfortunate way to end an almost perfect season.
For next year, the Bearcats no longer need to wait and see what junior quarterback Desmond Ridder decides to do. He is going to return for his senior season and hopefully lead the Bearcats to another AAC title, and who knows, maybe another argument for non-power 5 schools with consideration to the playoffs. Coach Fickell and his staff are doing some great things here in Cincy, and maybe they'll be able to push us over the hump and achieve something great. For now, enjoy the AAC championship and the off-season! Go Bearcats! -Danny