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

By Dante Pryor

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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Cincinnati Bearcats take the field before the NCAA football game on Saturday, October 15, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bearcats defeated UCF Knights 56-21.Ucf Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats 166
Cincinnati Bearcats take the field before the NCAA football game on Saturday, October 15, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bearcats defeated UCF Knights 56-21.Ucf Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats 166 /

2. SMU Mustangs

Since Sonny Dykes has been head coach of the Mustangs, all they have done is win The Battle for the Iron Skillet twice and find themselves in the hunt for the American title. Dykes and his staff hit the transfer portal jackpot once again.

SMU had great success with Texas transfer Shane Buchele the last couple of seasons. Another Big 12 transfer, Oklahoma quarterback Tanner Mordecai, is having a massive season in Dallas this year. Mordecai has thrown for over 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns.

The Mustangs know full well the game that matters, Nov. 20 against Cincinnati. SMU needs to survive and advance until then.

1. Cincinnati Bearcats

Sometimes the Watch does not get it right about a team. We were wrong about Cincinnati. This season, the Bearcats have a legitimate chance at the College Football Playoff. A lot needs to happen, but there is a chance.

Unlike the 2016 Houston Cougars, Cincinnati uses the momentum from last season to propel them into a possible playoff berth this season.

What has to happen for the Bearcats to make the playoff? First, Georgia needs to defeat Alabama in the SEC title game. The committee has been adamant that a two-loss team is eliminated from contention. If Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma all run the table, the Bearcats could slip into the playoff.

Unless Oregon runs the table and wins the Pac-12, the Bearcats need the Ducks to lose another game. Oregon losing another game is a possibility with injuries mounting in Eugene.

Cincinnati in the playoff would be something.

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