Group of Five New Year’s Six Watch, Week 8: Will anyone catch Cincinnati?

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass in the first half of the NCAA football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Murray State Racers on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Murray State Racers At Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass in the first half of the NCAA football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Murray State Racers on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Murray State Racers At Cincinnati Bearcats /
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Memphis Tigers defensive back Sanchez Blake Jr. chases down UTSA receiver Sheldon Jones at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 25, 2021.Jrca0692a
Memphis Tigers defensive back Sanchez Blake Jr. chases down UTSA receiver Sheldon Jones at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 25, 2021.Jrca0692a /

5. UTSA Roadrunners

No school in the Texas University system is having a better year than the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners. Head coach Jeff Traylor, a long-time assistant, has taken full advantage of his opportunity to be a head coach.

The Roadrunners have two of the most dynamic players in the country, quarterback Frank Harris and running back Sincere McCormick. UTSA also has a defense that has allowed less than 20 points per game this season.

4. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The Chanticleers have not played much of a schedule, so it isn’t easy to quantify how good they are this season. That should not in any way detract from the job head coach Jamey Chadwell, and the Coastal Carolina staff have done this season.

Coastal’s next two games against App State (a tough loss) and Troy gauge how good the Chants are. Because of their schedule, Coastal is a long shot at making the playoff, but if Cincy makes the field, that could all change.

3. San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztecs come into this week ranked No. 22 and still undefeated. San Diego State does not play the prettiest brand of football but gets it done with rock-solid defense and a stout running game. The back half of the Aztecs’ schedule is pretty loaded.

Though Boise State is 3-4, they are still a tough football team. The Aztecs also have Air Force, Fresno State, and Nevada on the schedule. Though the schedule is demanding, they play every team that would attempt to overtake them and play for the Mountain West championship.