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Group of Five New Year’s Six Watch, Week 7: Cincinnati bolsters resume

By Dante Pryor

Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell and quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) lead the Bearcats onto the field before the first quarter of the NCAA American Athletic Conference football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. The Bearcats led 35-10 at halftime.East Carolina Pirates At Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell and quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) lead the Bearcats onto the field before the first quarter of the NCAA American Athletic Conference football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. The Bearcats led 35-10 at halftime.East Carolina Pirates At Cincinnati Bearcats /
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Oct 9, 2021; Carson, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Greg Bell (22) runs the ball against New Mexico Lobos defensive back Ronald Wilson (14) during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Carson, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Greg Bell (22) runs the ball against New Mexico Lobos defensive back Ronald Wilson (14) during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. (24) San Diego State Aztecs (5-0, 1-0)

The Aztecs’ No. 24 ranking might partly be due to being undefeated, but that does not mean Brady Hoke’s team is not playing good football. San Diego State jumped out to a 17-0 lead and cruised to a 31-7 win against the New Mexico Lobos.

Though their win was a solid one, Boise State’s upset of the BYU Cougars might be as crucial to San Diego State as continuing to win football games. The Mountain West is good, but there is no elite team in the conference. Fresno losing to Hawai’i did not help San Diego State’s cause.

The Aztecs need Fresno to rebound from that loss and keep winning and for Boise and Nevada to do the same.

2. (23) SMU Mustangs (6-0, 2-0)

The Mustangs have quietly put together another solid season under head coach Sonny Dykes. In fact, Dykes might be up for another Power Five opportunity, depending on how far the ‘Stangs go this season.

This weekend, SMU survived Navy by a touchdown by shutting out the Midshipmen in the fourth quarter. Coach Dykes has done wonders with yet another transfer quarterback. After succeeding with Texas transfer Shane Buchele, Oklahoma transfer Tanner Mordecai has stepped in and put up unbelievable numbers this season.

The Mustangs also have to play Cincinnati, possibly twice, besides their second straight win in The Battle for the Iron Skillet against TCU.

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