Many said it couldn't be done. There was simply no way the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, or any other team outside the traditional Power Five football conferences in the country, could break through the glass ceiling and reach the College Football Playoff.
But the No. 4 Bearcats came crashing through the gates of the CFP and now it's time to commemorate the greatest season in Bearcats football history.
Heading into the season, everything was in front of Luke Fickell and his squad. They had scheduled preseason top-25, non-conference opponents in Indiana and Notre Dame. If the Bearcats could make it through that gauntlet early in the season, they might have the resume required to get in.
Well, these Bearcats did just that.
After securing a 38-24 win at Indiana, the Bearcats went to South Bend, Indiana, and took care of business beating the Fighting Irish 24-13 as Cincinnati fans made their presence known in one of the most hallowed stadiums in college football.
The season wasn't without its close calls. The Bearcats won tight contests at Navy (27-20) and at Nippert Stadium over Tulsa (28-20).
And when the CFP Committee unveiled its first rankings, the Bearcats set a new record for a Group of Five team by debuting at No. 5. From there, a berth in one of the national semifinals was attainable.
As the programs ahead of UC in the rankings faltered – Michigan State, Oregon and Ohio State – Desmond Ridder and the Bearcats kept winning. The season culminated with a dominant win over American Athletic Conference rival Houston, and the Bearcats were locked in.
As a New Year's Eve game against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson awaits, it's time to order your commemorative book celebrating this historic season.
We're proud to announce the pre-sale of "Breaking Down Barriers: How the Cincinnati Bearcats Crashed the College Football Playoff Party." This 160-page hardcover book will take you through the season with coverage from the award-winning staff at The Enquirer. From analysis to behind-the-scenes reporting and impactful photos, you'll be able to forever preserve this groundbreaking season.
The book, which sells for $39.95, will ship in mid-February and is available now for a special pre-order price of $29.95.
Don't miss your chance to commemorate this special season or maybe gift the Bearcats fan in your life something they'll cherish forever.
Source link