Cincinnati Bearcats football
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder runs for a touchdown against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the American Athletic Conference championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder is known for his dual-threat skills. JT Daniels has used his arm strength to add balance to Georgia's attack.The two quarterbacks also boast impressive football intelligence, and that may be the biggest reason neither has lost a game as a starter this season as they prepare to meet in Friday's Peach Bowl.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
No. 6 Cincinnati an underdog in Peach against No. 11 Georgia

By Charles Odum Dec. 31, 2020 12:53 PM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart pauses during timeout against Florida in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla. Kirby Smart says rising COVID-19 numbers have him concerned as the No. 11 Bulldogs prepare for Friday's Peach Bowl game against No. 6 Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Georgia's Smart wary of COVID-19 results before Peach Bowl

By Charles Odum Dec. 28, 2020 04:00 PM EST

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall (10) throws against Troy during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Coastal Carolina, Cincinnati headline Bowl Day snubs

By Cliff Brunt Dec. 20, 2020 05:59 PM EST

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder hands off the ball to running back Gerrid Doaks, right, during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against East Carolina, Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
No. 6 Cincinnati and No. 20 Tulsa meet at last for AAC title

By Jeff Wallner Dec. 17, 2020 11:47 AM EST

Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams (23) runs while North Carolina linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel (44) misses the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: Elite 8 gridlock for another week

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 30, 2020 02:25 AM EST

Cincinnati wide receiver Michael Young Jr. runs against Central Florida after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Playoff rankings: 'Bama, ND, Clemson, Ohio St; Cincinnati 7

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 24, 2020 07:25 PM EST

A BYU fans sits among the cardboard fan cutouts during an NCAA college football game against North Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger, Pool)
Takeaways: Playing through pandemic predictably frustrating

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 21, 2020 10:08 PM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, file photo, Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey Chadwell waits to lead his team onto the field before an NCAA football game against Georgia State in Atlanta. An unusual college football season has produced some unexpected unbeaten teams dotting the AP Top 25 with about a month left. Led by No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 8 BYU, five teams from outside the Power Five conferences have yet to lose. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)
What's the ceiling for UC, BYU, Marshall, Coastal & Liberty?

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 19, 2020 04:57 PM EST

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask (11) looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
STAT WATCH: Gators' Trask ahead of Burrow pace for TD passes

By Eric Olson Nov. 16, 2020 02:12 AM EST

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, rear, celebrates a touchdown against Memphis with teammates Alec Pierce (12) and Cam Jones (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Cincinnati. (Photo by Gary Landers)
Ridder drives No. 7 Bearcats to 49-10 rout of Memphis

Oct. 31, 2020 03:30 PM EDT

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) breaks away from SMU linebacker Trevor Denbow (16) on a touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Dallas. Cincinnati won 42-13 and Ridder finished with 179 yards rushing. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
No. 7 Cincinnati looks to avenge losses to Memphis

By Jeff Wallner Oct. 29, 2020 11:35 AM EDT

Cincinnati tight end Josh Whyle is taken down by SMU defensive back Brandon Stephens (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Ridder runs, passes No. 19 Cincinnati past No. 16 SMU, 42-13

Oct. 25, 2020 12:45 AM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2019, file photo, Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell takes the field with his players before an NCAA college football game against Connecticut in Cincinnati. A meeting of undefeated Group of Five teams when No. 9 Cincinnati plays the No. 16 Mustangs on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, the American Athletic Conference’s top defense trying to stop one of the league's best offenses, and the first game matching Top 25 teams since SMU (5-0, 3-0 AAC) resumed playing on campus three decades ago. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
Cincinnati-SMU a Top 25 game like no other on Dallas campus

Oct. 22, 2020 05:51 PM EDT

Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell works the sideline during an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Cincinnati. No. 8 Cincinnati's game at Tulsa on Saturday has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests among Bearcats players. The American Athletic Conference announced Thursday, Oct. 15, the game is being rescheduled for Dec. 5. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)
Cincinnati-Tulsa postponed due to Bearcats' COVID-19 issues

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 15, 2020 03:15 PM EDT

Army quarterback Christian Anderson, right, cuts up field past Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
No. 14 Cincinnati holds off No. 22 Army, 24-10

By Jeff Wallner Sep. 26, 2020 07:19 PM EDT

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder throws a pass against Austin Peay during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
No. 22 Army seeks road breakthrough at No. 14 Cincinnati

By Joe Kay Sep. 24, 2020 01:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, file photo, Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell takes the field with his players before the first half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, in Cincinnati. Normally, in March, college football teams would be preparing for the upcoming season. Because of the new coronavirus pandemic, coaches are trying to figure out how to recreate some of what has been lost. Fickell said his goal is to try give his players a routine, including workout regimens they can do on their own without access to local gyms. They will also have online meetings with position groups and assistant coaches. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
No. 13 Cincinnati opens vs Austin Peay team finishing up

By Joe Kay Sep. 17, 2020 12:25 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2019, file photo, Memphis quarterback Brady White passes against Cincinnati during an NCAA college football game for the American Athletic Conference championship in Memphis, Tenn. After winning their first American Athletic Conference last season, the Memphis Tigers want to make sure they do not skip a beat with head coach Ryan Silverfield now their third different coach in six seasons. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
Memphis Tigers seek to defend American title with new coach

By Teresa M. Walker Sep. 01, 2020 12:24 PM EDT