Bearcats A Dark Horse For The 2014 CFB Playoff?

You probably think I’m crazy for even writing this  – please hear me out.  Sure it’s unlikely, but it’s fun to write about.  And you know what?  No matter how unlikely, I BELIEVE.  And I’m, not the only one.  ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has also tabbed Cincinnati as a non-Power Five school who could make noise on a national level.

There are so many reasons to believe.  This year’s schedule is somewhat challenging, but certainly not laden with juggernauts.  I can’t help but look at all twelve teams and say, “Why couldn’t we win that game?”  The UC offense is loaded with weapons at all the skill positions.  Gunner Kiel, while unproven at this point, has the talent to get them the ball – and perhaps even become a superstar.  The defense will be anchored by two standout Senior linebackers Nick Temple and Jeff Luc.  Despite being very young, the secondary performed very well last year.  They will only continue to improve.  I think the growth will be exponential in the second season of the Tommy Tuberville era, now that the team will be well versed in the coaching staff’s schemes.  I am looking forward to seeing big things from this team.

In the conference, that Bearcats get their two toughest tests (at least on paper) at home against East Carolina and Houston.  SMU, who in my opinion looks to be third toughest (and the toughest road game), will be breaking in a new starting quarterback, as Garrett Gilbert will now be seen carrying a clipboard and wearing headset as one of Sam Bradford’s backups.  Despite UC being picked to win the league, Central Florida is ranked higher in the AP and coaches’ polls.  But UC misses the AAC’s other premier team again this year, thanks to a gaffe by the AAC.  Of course, Cincinnati is always vulnerable to a stumble in conference (we all want to forget the USF game last year), but so are the best of teams.  Ohio State has had seasons ruined by Purdue.  But that being said, It would be a huge disappointment if UC lost to any other AAC team than ECU, Houston, or SMU.  The Bearcats are the favorites, after all, so why can’t they go 8-0 in The American?  I believe.

Then you look at the four non-conference games.  You have an opener against Toledo that certainly won’t be a gimme, but the Rockets will also be breaking in a new starting QB.  And the game will be in Cincinnati, no less, with the Bearcats out for revenge after an embarrassing performance in the Glass Bowl two years ago.  There’s Miami University up next, the one from Ohio.  And if history is any indicator, the game against the Redhawks really should be a gimme.

There was a time when I thought the Bearcats would be lucky to win just one of their two marquee non-conference games against Miami (Florida/The U/Swag/Not Oxford, Ohio), and Ohio State.  But that was before Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller tore up his throwing shoulder, which will cost him the entire 2014 season (we already knew that leading rusher Carlos Hyde had moved on to the NFL).  That was before Miami (FL) quarterback Ryan Williams tore up his ACL, prompting Al Golden to declare an open competition for the Hurricanes’ QB position.

Suddenly, those games seem winnable.  Yes, both games are on the road.  Yes, they will be uphill battles.  Yes, Ohio State and Miami (FL) will both have teams loaded with four and five-star recruits at every position.  But Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard were two-star recruits, and look what they did here.  For our part, we finally have one of those guys now, too.  Gunner Kiel took a long road to Clifton, but he’s here now, and I believe in Gunner Kiel.  I believe that he has what it takes to be a great quarterback for the next three years.  I believe that he will lead us to the promised land.  And I don’t gamble, but I almost wish I would have thrown down some money when UC was a 30-point underdog to OSU a few months ago.  That game will be a barn-burner, even if UC falls short.

Is it that crazy to think that the Bearcats could go 12-0?  I really don’t think it is.  Improbable?  Yes.  Unrealistic?  No.  If so, UC would have to get at least a little consideration for inclusion in the inaugural college football playoff.  But even if the selection committee values a 10-2 team from the SEC more, UC would be sure to gain a bid to a “New Years Six” bowl game.  Even if UC loses one game, they would still be in contention for a new years game, as the highest ranked non-Power Five conference champion still carries an automatic bid.