A year ago, Cincinnati’s college football team had arguably the greatest season in program history. Led by a core group of Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Desmond Ridder, Coby Bryant and Jerome Ford, the Bearcats enjoyed a 13-1 season en route to a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The good news is that Cincinnati and head coach Luke Fickell will bring back a lot of promising talent this fall to try and repeat that effort. Think the stellar brother linebacker duo of Deshawn Pace and transfer Ivan Pace Jr., along with complete “Y” tight end/safety valve Josh Whyle.
The bad news is that last year’s core of Gardner/Ridder/Bryant/Ford was just … flat-out better. Factor in the active status in a mid-major conference like the AAC, and it’s hard to imagine Cincinnati qualifies for the college football playoff again, barring a perfect season. Even then, it’s dicey.
Oddsmakers with Tipico Sportsbook seem to agree. In a “Yes” or “No” prospect on qualifying for this season’s Playoff, the Bearcats have -10000 odds on “No” — indicating they’re a popular pick to miss all the elite college football action on New Year’s weekend.
And I have to say, I agree. Cinderella’s slipper just doesn’t quite fit anymore.
The pick: Cincinnati to reach College Football Playoff NO (-10000).
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