College Football New Year’s Six Watch, Week 10: A legit playoff argument?

1. No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats (5-0)

The beginning of the season taught us about Cincinnati’s defense. Not only are the Bearcats the standard of the Group of Five, but they are also one of the best defenses in the country. In the last two games, however, the Bearcats have upped the ante offensively.

Cincinnati has scored 91 points in the last two games against their two toughest opponents. Those wins put them in the driver’s seat in the American.

Cincinnati plays Tulsa, also undefeated, at the end of the season. However, it will be difficult for the Golden Hurricane to hold serve until the end of the season. The Bearcats have UCF, Houston and Tulsa left on their schedule and will likely be favored in all three games. Cincinnati also ends the season on the road.

The question everyone has is, “Could the Bearcats possibly sneak in the College Football Playoff?” Without going through several exhausting scenarios, the simple answer is no. The Bearcats do not have a Power Five win but benefit from playing in the toughest Group of Five conference. The issue right now is no one knows how the Pac-12 is going to look.

Though the Bearcats are ranked No. 6 in the country right now, they could slide if Oregon or USC play well. However, given out unpredictable this season has been, it would be premature to rule anything out right now.