Group of Five New Year’s Six Watch: Was Cincinnati snubbed in CFP rankings?

It is funny how the “who have they played” narrative only fits specific teams. It seems like the Cougars’ back-loaded schedule has not been considered when ranking them. Houston followed their win against No. 19 SMU with a victory against a pesky South Florida team.

Much like their likely conference title opponent Cincinnati, the American conference does Houston no favors. Traditional powers Memphis, UCF and Temple, are all down this season which lowers the conference rating.

However, this season makes what head coach Dana Holgorsen did in 2019 look like pure genius. The offense is playing well, and the defense is ornery as well. The American looks like it will come down between Houston and Cincinnati if both teams hold serve.

The short answer to the question posed in the article’s title is no. The Bearcats are undefeated and sitting pretty ranked fifth in the latest College Football Playoff ranking. Most pundits crying conspiracy over the Bearcats not being in the top four are touting their Notre Dame win.

What other noteworthy win do they have?

Let’s be clear here, the Bearcats went to South Bend and defeated the Irish handily. This win by Cincy was not a doink off the crossbar, non-repeatable skill win for Cincy. However, the American has done the Bearcats no favors by being average this season.

That would have been okay if SMU did not go out and lose their last two games. However, it does say something when a team has to rely on their schedule being tough (whatever that means) and not solving things on the field.