College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2020
By Zach Bigalke
17. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cincinnati Bearcats. player. 830. 11-3 in 2019. won Birmingham Bowl 38-6 vs. Boston College
AAC West champion Cincinnati rolled to a 38-6 victory over Boston College in a weather-delayed edition of the Birmingham Bowl to win 11 games for the second straight season under Luke Fickell. Boston College managed only 154 total yards of offense against the stingy Bearcats defense, reaching the endzone only once (but failing to convert their two-point try) in the 32-point defeat. That defense returns all but two players to a unit that ranked in the top 25 in the FBS in points allowed.
Desmond Ridder did more damage with his legs than his arm. The sophomore quarterback went 14-of-24 for 95 yards and a touchdown, while rushing 21 times for 105 yards and three scores. By himself, Ridder accounted for more yardage than the entire Boston College offense. Michael Warren II won’t be back next season, declaring for the NFL Draft after also rushing for 105 yards on 21 carries against the Eagles.
The combination of Ridder’s return, along with most of his weapons and a top-notch defense, will have Cincinnati again among the best Group of Five teams in the country. Look for the Bearcats to land in the preseason AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll as the top Group of Five program to open the year.