CFP Rankings, Top 10: Week 11 recap, previewing Week 12

5. Cincinnati (10-0)

Week 11 result: Defeated USF 45-28

This game was a little bit of a roller coaster for the Bearcats, but they got the job done. I also believe they got some so-called ‘style points’ in this one that are apparently required if you’re a Group of Five team. The playoff committee seems to have created a new rule this year that says you have to blow everyone out by 30 if you’re not in the Power Five.

All jokes aside, the Bearcats easily handled the Bulls on Friday night. After a slow start which included a fumble and an interception on their first two drives, Cincinnati scored 31 unanswered points to grab a 31-7 lead in the third quarter. They sort of let USF back into the game late in the 4th, but the result was never a doubt for them.

A 17-point win certainly isn’t bad but this one probably should’ve been a lot more than that given how much the Bearcats dominated the box score. Cincinnati really just needs to learn how to play all four quarters and they’ll be fine. They go on spurts every week where they look unstoppable and then they disappear for a quarter.

If they can put together four quarters of good football, then they can hang with anybody in the country.

Next game: vs. SMU
Prediction: Win 40-30