College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 9

Cincinnati took charge as the top Group of Five team in the race for a New Year’s Six bid. In a battle between the last two undefeated teams in the American Athletic Conference, the Bearcats secured a road win over No. 16 SMU that will lock down top-10 status in the AP Top 25 for another week. Luke Fickell’s team controls their own destiny in the hunt not just for a conference title but also a major bowl berth.

Desmond Ridder didn’t have to do much through the air, as he completed eight of just 13 passing attempts in the first half for 72 yards and a touchdown. Ridder added 35 yards and a score on the ground, as he tested the Mustangs with both his arm and his legs. SMU kept things interesting, pulling within four points before halftime, but Cincinnati is projected to pull off victory.

Now the last undefeated team in the AAC standings, Cincinnati cannot rest on their laurels. Over the next two weeks, Memphis and Houston come to Nippert Stadium to try to unseat the Bearcats from their perch atop the league table. If they can survive both contests, Cincinnati could push up closer toward the top five or six teams in the country.