Cincinnati football has a good shot of crashing playoff in 2021

Schedule sets up for potential playoff or New Years Six run

The schedule is by no means easy, but it could be just challenging enough for the playoff committee to take a serious look at the Bearcats if they go undefeated.

• Game 1: Miami (OH) (W)- The Redhawks are looking for a bounce-back season, but they don’t stand a chance against this defense.
• Game 2: Murray State (W)- Cincinnati will be looking to get their starters plenty of rest for their next two games when they win this one in a blowout.
• Game 3: At Indiana (W)- I think the Hoosiers are a good team, but they are a bit overrated heading into this season. I think the Bearcats match up nicely against Indiana’s passing attack.
• Game 4: At Notre Dame (W)- This is going to be a massive game and I think Cincinnati has the edge. They have two weeks to prepare and Notre Dame is coming off of a tough game vs Wisconsin. I also don’t think Jack Coan is a super talented QB and Cincinnati has the edge at the most important position.
• Game 5: Temple (W)- After a massive win over the Fighting Irish, Cincinnati gets to face the worst team in the AAC.
• Game 6: UCF (W)- This is a tough game against one of the premier group of five teams in the country and Cincinnati wins because of the home-field advantage.
• Game 7: At Navy (W)- Navy is in for a down season in 2021 and the Bearcats win big here.
• Game 8: At Tulane (W)- This is a potential slip-up spot against the Green Wave, but Cincinnati finds a way on the road.
• Game 9: Tulsa (W)- Tulsa came close to knocking the Bearcats off last season, but they won’t have the team to pull off a road upset.
• Game 10: At South Florida (W)- The Bulls are still rebuilding and won’t be up for the challenge here.
• Game 11: SMU (W)- This could be a tricky spot vs SMU and their offense, but Cincinnati will have a lot to play for and will win.
• Game 12: At East Carolina (W)- This could be the best East Carolina team in some time, but the Bearcats get the win ahead of the conference championship.

Final Record: 12-0, 8-0 AAC

This might be a little too bold, but the Bearcats have a very talented team and matchup up well with their biggest opponents. Whether this is good enough for a playoff spot is going to be the storyline for Cincinnati.