Cincinnati Bearcats Ranked 28th In Updated BCS Standings; BCS Bowl Scenario Clarified

Nov 23, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendon Kay (11) attempts a pass during the second quarter against the Houston Cougars at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Bearcats were ranked 25th in the Coaches Poll, 27th in the AP Poll, and 26th in the Harris Poll. As such, and somewhat not unexpectedly, Cincinnati was tabbed 28th in the updated BCS rankings. While this actual slot the Bearcats now boast isn’t totally important, what is critical for UC in the next couple of weeks is their relation to other AAC schools.

Central Florida is ranked 19th and Louisville 20th. The upcoming games for the Knights are South Florida (yuck) and a SMU team that may or may not have their senior quarterback Garrett Gilbert back. Meanwhile, Louisville’s next and final game is also UC’s, a Keg of Nails clash on December 5th. For all intents and purposes, the winner of that game will determine the AAC representative in a BCS bowl game. That is, if the Bulls or Mustangs can take down red hot UCF sometime in the next two weeks.

For Cincinnati they need to beat Louisville and have UCF lose once in the next two weeks to even have a shot at the Sugar Bowl. If the Knights do lose, the Bearcats will have to hope they somehow jump them by boasting an impressive win over a ranked Louisville squad on national TV. If the planets align just so, it’s not unfathomable that we might see Cincinnati in New Orleans for the first time since January 1st, 2010.

Regardless of what might happen, it seems UC’s BCS bowl hopes could come down to the last week of the regular season for the third straight year. And that makes for some exciting football. All the more reason to pack Nippert Stadium on the night of December 5th and cheer the Bearcats on to victory!