I don't think this changes things in terms of our control for the NY6 bowl by only playing Tulsa once. I think it makes our chip game even better because it's one game between the two programs for all the marbles. Playing twice can be anti-climatic and a chance for UC to lose one of two. Here's an article from CBS Sports....
Quote:The Cincinnati football team's regular-season finale Saturday at Tulsa has been canceled due to COVID-19 cases within the Cincinnati program.
With Saturday's game at Tulsa canceled, the Bearcats are set to host the American Athletic Conference Championship Game on Dec. 19.
Saturday's game between Cincinnati and Tulsa, both undefeated in AAC play, would have determined who hosted the conference championship game. With both teams entering the championship without a loss to an AAC opponent, the schools' ranking in Tuesday night's College Football Playoff ranking will determine where the game is played.
The No. 7 Bearcats have a 17 spot lead over No. 24 Tulsa in the College Football Playoff rankings, so the stage is set for the first AAC Championship Game at Nippert Stadium.
Cincinnati has not played since Nov. 21, when the Bearcats beat Central Florida 36-33.
John Cunningham, Cincinnati director of athletics said the following in a press release: "Like so much of our country, the Bearcats football program has dealt with rising cases of COVID-19 over the last several weeks. Since returning from Orlando on Nov. 21, 2020, we had an increased number of positives among our student-athletes, coaches and staff. Thankfully, we have had very few symptomatic cases and those who did show symptoms appear to be doing well. This week, we began a slow, measured return to activities, fully aware of the importance of monitoring our student-athletes who are returning after time away from practice. If we are selected to host the AAC Championship game on Dec. 19, we have requested a variance with the state of Ohio to allow a limited number of fans in the stadium. We look forward to continuing our season on Saturday, Dec. 19.”
(12-08-2020 11:41 AM)nachoman91 Wrote: Put me in the camp that thinks this is bad for UC.
I agree that UC was always a long shot for the playoffs but 12-0 (or at this point an 11-0) UC team certainly makes a strong case versus a 6-0 Buckeyes team or a 1 loss SEC team. And there's always the outside chance that things fall right. Clemson losing to ND, Florida losing to Bama are both possibilities and if those happen a 12-0 UC sure looks like a deserving candidate.
And even if none of that works out and UC still doesn't make the playoffs. The end of the year rankings would most certainly be affected. This is the best (or second best) UC team in history. I want to see them play as many games as possible.
I agree that the COVID outbreak has been bad for UC's playoff hopes (though ultimately probably wouldn't have mattered). Oh well. It's a weird year. Everyone knows it. Kick Tulsa's ass all over the field next week and see what happens.
I am not sure playing at Temple and Tulsa would help. Beating a ranked Tulsa team probably won’t be enough either but i like scenario than playing two road games that were basically traps.
I wanted UC to go 12-0 and force the playoff committee to pick 1-loss ND, Clemson, Florida, or Texas A&M over UC … OR … a 6 win OSU team. Force the committee’s hand and create some controversy within the media. I’m disappointed that’s not going to happen. Keep the media buzz going for UC so even if they still didn’t make the playoff, at least they got some great PR for the program and made the committee look bad.
If I was able to pick I would take my chances at 12-0 cause I don’t think Tulsa (and Temple) are big risks. I think UC beats Tulsa handily.
This is 100% the AAC attempting to avoid a 1-1 split between UC and Tulsa that drops UC below Coastal and costs the conference the $4M purse for an NY6 bowl game.
That's what this is all about -- punting on the CFP to make sure the conference gets its bowl money.
(12-08-2020 01:53 PM)geef Wrote: Ohio State - Michigan cancelled. Invite the Buckeyes to Nippert.
Doesn't this create another reason UC should find a game to play this weekend? If the Buckeyes don't make the Big10 CCG will the playoff committee take that into account.
If UC could play Liberty or Coastal Carolina this week and win along with beating Tulsa does that give them an edge over OSU.
(12-08-2020 01:53 PM)geef Wrote: Ohio State - Michigan cancelled. Invite the Buckeyes to Nippert.
Doesn't this create another reason UC should find a game to play this weekend? If the Buckeyes don't make the Big10 CCG will the playoff committee take that into account.
If UC could play Liberty or Coastal Carolina this week and win along with beating Tulsa does that give them an edge over OSU.
From listening to the press conference, sounds like we have practiced a lick since the UCF game. Going all this time without any reps can lead to serious injuries- hammies, groins, etc. Hopefully the team will not be rusty as hell and timing with the various position groups is not shot.
12-08-2020 02:18 PM
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(12-08-2020 02:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote: From listening to the press conference, sounds like we have practiced a lick since the UCF game. Going all this time without any reps can lead to serious injuries- hammies, groins, etc. Hopefully the team will not be rusty as hell and timing with the various position groups is not shot.
Yeah, I can't imagine trying to get these kids sharp after almost a month of doing nothing at all.
We could be 40 and 0 and so long as those wins were against AAC opponents, the selection committee won't put us in over Florida, Texas A&M or Clemson. For the same reason we aren't gonna go out and play Coastal Carolina this weekend, A&M or OSU ain't gonna play us. Our best hope of making the playoff is next season with games against Indiana, Notre Dame and UCF at home.
(12-08-2020 02:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote: From listening to the press conference, sounds like we have practiced a lick since the UCF game. Going all this time without any reps can lead to serious injuries- hammies, groins, etc. Hopefully the team will not be rusty as hell and timing with the various position groups is not shot.
This has been my concern. We need to get back to practice ASAP and even then I worry about how we perform. Remember it took us a few weeks to get into a rhythm this season on the offensive side so I hope we are prepared and ready.
The CFP is probably out of reach due to these unforeseen issues, but our other goals are still in our control. Conference chip, Undefeated, NY6 Bowl, etc... Let’s finish strong and see where we are and use this to build momentum in the program.
(12-08-2020 02:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote: From listening to the press conference, sounds like we have practiced a lick since the UCF game. Going all this time without any reps can lead to serious injuries- hammies, groins, etc. Hopefully the team will not be rusty as hell and timing with the various position groups is not shot.
This has been my concern. We need to get back to practice ASAP and even then I worry about how we perform. Remember it took us a few weeks to get into a rhythm this season on the offensive side so I hope we are prepared and ready.
The CFP is probably out of reach due to these unforeseen issues, but our other goals are still in our control. Conference chip, Undefeated, NY6 Bowl, etc... Let’s finish strong and see where we are and use this to build momentum in the program.
I agree with your comment about building momentum. Win the conference and a NY6, start next year in the top 15, and knock of IU and ND. That's a legit resume there. Unfortunate it takes either 2 undefeated years or a global pandemic to actually get into the convo, but only thing we can do is win
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Tulsa cancelled
