Fansided

UCF’s College Football Playoff hopes still have a pulse

By Daniel Stave

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 03: UCF's Head Coach Josh Heupel and his Knights take the field before the College Football game between the UCF Knights and the South Florida Bulls on November 23, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 03: UCF's Head Coach Josh Heupel and his Knights take the field before the College Football game between the UCF Knights and the South Florida Bulls on November 23, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to throw during the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium on November 23, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to throw during the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium on November 23, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

6. Cincinnati Bearcats (AAC) 10-2

Cincinnati bounced back from their loss to UCF with a resounding 56-6 win over East Carolina. Despite not having leading rusher Michael Warren II, the offense had no trouble with the Pirates.

Desmond Ridder threw for four touchdowns and 335 yards in the first half alone. Ridder’s favorite target was Kahlil Lewis, who caught nine passes for 203 yards and three scores, the last of which was thrown by backup Hayden Moore.

Tavion Thomas got most of the work with Warren out, finishing with 26 rushes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Charles McClelland made the most of his opportunities, leading the team with 114 yards on only eight carries, including a 55-yard touchdown run.

The team might be the biggest surprise of the season in the Group of 5, as their 10 wins in Luke Fickell’s second year surpass the eight they won the previous two years combined.

Up next: Bowl Game TBD.

5. Utah State Aggies (Mountain West Conference) 10-2

The Aggies’ winning streak ended at 10 last weekend in a 33-24 road loss to Boise State. The loss cost Utah State a spot in the Mountain West Conference championship game, as well as a chance of playing in a New Year’s Six bowl.

The offense was able to move the ball, but couldn’t quite put up the points they have throughout the season. Jordan Love threw for 363 yards, but their 24 points equal their lowest total of the year.

Still, the team has made large strides this year. They won 10 games for only the third time in school history, and a win in their bowl game would tie the school record with 11. They were ranked 14 in the AP poll entering the game, which was the school’s highest since 1961.

Love’s performance was his sixth 300-yard passing game of the season. He is only a sophomore and should return to lead the team again in 2019.

Up next: Bowl Game TBD.

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