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Group of 5 power rankings week 13; UCF makes CFP case with dominant win in primetime

By Daniel Stave

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Adrian Killins Jr. #9 of the UCF Knights runs in a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 17, 2018 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Adrian Killins Jr. #9 of the UCF Knights runs in a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 17, 2018 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 09: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos throws a pass during second half action against the Fresno State Bulldogs on November 9, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 24-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 09: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos throws a pass during second half action against the Fresno State Bulldogs on November 9, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 24-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

6. Cincinnati Bearcats (AAC) 9-2

The Bearcats have to be disappointed with their 38-13 loss to UCF last week. While they were sizable underdogs entering the game, they had a chance to make a big statement and remain in the running for the AAC East division. The score gives the appearance of a blowout, but Cincinnati will remember the game for its mistakes and missed opportunities.

After the defense got the team on the board by recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, kicker Cole Smith missed the extra point. Smith, who has struggled all year, also missed a field goal and had another blocked before the first quarter was over.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder lost three fumbles for the Bearcats, two of which were in UCF territory.

The running game was productive as usual for Cincinnati. Ridder, Michael Warren II, Tavion Thomas and Charles McClelland combined for 252 yards on 55 carries. But the team was stuffed on a 4th-and-1 that halted another drive in the third quarter.

All together, the Bearcats had six possessions that made it to UCF territory and didn’t produce any points.

The bright side for Luke Fickell and his team is they have two chances — this week’s season finale and the bowl game — to win their 10th game, which would be only the sixth occurrence in school history.

Up next: Friday vs. East Carolina.

5. Boise State Broncos (Mountain West Conference) 9-2

A week after re-entering the top 10, Boise State makes another jump with a win over New Mexico. The Broncos made easy work of the Lobos, piling up 449 yards of offense and forcing three turnovers.

Bretty Rypien connected with Sean Modster for three touchdowns, nine receptions and 129 yards. Alexander Mattison led the team in rushing with 145 yards and a score on 20 carries, and also caught three passes for 40 yards.

The win sets up a top-25 showdown with Utah State this weekend that will decide the winner of the Mountain West Mountain division.

Up next: Saturday vs. Utah State.

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