Cincy on the Prowl
Fansided

Cincinnati Football’s Seven Most Important Games of 2016

By Bearcat Jones

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Dec 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Shaq Washington (19) makes a catch against Houston Cougars defensive back Brandon Wilson (26) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeat the Houston Cougars 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Shaq Washington (19) makes a catch against Houston Cougars defensive back Brandon Wilson (26) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeat the Houston Cougars 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Houston (Sept. 15 – Week 3)

This will no doubt be the Bearcats’ toughest conference game in 2016, with Houston very likely coming into Nippert ranked in the Top 25.  A lot of last year’s 13-1 Peach Bowl team is back, and the Cougars are the overwhelming favorite to win both the AAC West and the AAC title game this year.  A win would be huge, but I have this game at number four in importance because UC can withstand a loss here.  Yes, it would be disappointing, and yes, it would start conference play with a dud again for the fourth straight year under Tuberville, but it’s not a division game.  If UC goes 7-1 with a loss to Houston, but takes all of its division games, the Bearcats will earn a berth in the AAC championship game (and potentially a rematch with the Cougars).  That’s really what matters.  Yeah, it would be great if UC won this one, especially since Temple and USF avoid facing Houston this year, giving them an easier road to the division title.  But if UC beats Houston and then drops a game to USF or Temple, the Bearcats risk not holding the East division tiebreaker, and having no shot at the league title game.  I’d rather lose to UH.

Next: #4 Most Important Game