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Group of Five New Year’s Six Watch 2021: Cincinnati the frontrunner again

By Dante Pryor

(Photo by The Enquirer)
(Photo by The Enquirer) /
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Sep 4, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua (58), Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Caden Haws (95), and Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Ammon Hannemann (22) sing the Brigham Young fight song in celebration after defeating the Arizona Wildcats 24-16 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Uriah Leiataua (58), Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Caden Haws (95), and Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Ammon Hannemann (22) sing the Brigham Young fight song in celebration after defeating the Arizona Wildcats 24-16 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

3. BYU Cougars (1-0)

The Cougars looked good in their win against Pac-12 foe Arizona. Starting quarterback Jaren Hall looked good in his first start. Running back Tyler Allgeier had 95 yards, and the offensive line looked physical.

Wide receiver Neil Pau’u had 126 yards receiving as the Cougars defeated the first of three consecutive Pac-12 opponents. The Cougars play five Pac-12 teams and Baylor from the Big 12.

Defensively, the pass defense has lots to be desired. The Wildcats had 345 yards passing. Arizona quarterback Gunnar Cruz completed 75 percent of his passes. If the Cougars want to get through this schedule with one loss or fewer, they need to defend the pass better.

2. UCF Knights (1-0) 

The Knights won coach Gus Malzahn’s debut against a tough Boise State teams 36-31. The Knights did show some serious grit coming back from a 24-14 halftime deficit. What is most impressive about Central Florida’s win was allowing just seven points in the second half.

Dillon Gabriel had an excellent game throwing for 312 yards and running for 63 more. Northwestern transfer Isaiah Bowser ran for a career-high 172 yards and a touchdown. The Knights have only one Power Five team on the schedule (Louisville).

The Knights likely have to run the table and defeat Cincinnati twice to make it to the New Year’s Six.

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