College football: Predicting the first loss for every remaining undefeated team
Cincinnati’s first loss: at SMU – Saturday, Oct. 24
In truth, I might’ve picked the Cincinnati Bearcats to lose their first game of the 2020 season in Week 7 had the matchup with Tulsa not been canceled due to a positive COVID-19 case. Alas, the next time the Bearcats are supposed to see the field is in Week 8 as they travel to Dallas to face an equally unbeaten SMU Mustangs team. And Sonny Dykes’ team should be ready to bring the noise.
Though Cincy has started the year nicely, Desmond Ridder and the offense haven’t been overly impressive to this point. Moreover, the defense hasn’t been tested by an elite unit. SMU, however, has a dangerous pass rush combined with an offense that can put the pressure on any unit in the country. That combination will be a recipe for Cincinnati to falter, especially with the Bearcats on the road.
Clemson’s first loss: No losses
If you look at the AP Top 25 entering Week 7, there are three ACC teams ranked in the top five. Just from the optics of that, you might assume that the Clemson Tigers — ranked No. 1 in the country — could be threatened more than they ever have in recent years. But after seeing what teams like North Carolina and Notre Dame have to offer, especially in comparison to how Miami fared against Clemson, it’s hard to think that Dabo Swinney‘s team is going to lose.
Whether it’s Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne and an offense capable of delivering lethal blows at every turn or a defense that is both laden with elite talent and only going to improve as young players garner more experience, the Tigers are built to win another National Championship. And looking at the landscape right now, they can do so with a perfect record this year.
Coastal Carolina’s first loss: vs. Appalachian State – Saturday, Nov. 21
Most recently knocking off the Ragin’ Cajuns in a postponed matchup, Coastal Carolina has done nothing but prove themselves to start their 2020 season. The Sun Belt members started off the year with a 15-point win over Kansas before easily dispatching Campbell and Arkansas State and then the Week 7 win over ULL. The Chanticleers look like the class of the conference.
That may well be the case but, as this college football season is teaching us time and again, another good team can sneak up at any moment and knock off another quality opponent — especially in a league like the Sun Belt. Appalachian State getting off to a 2-1 start is disappointing for the Mountaineers but the proud program figures to come back hungry. And when they face Coastal in a crucial conference matchup, App State will get the better of them.