Luke Fickell
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

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

Liberty's Alex Barbir (95) celebrates kicking the game-winning field goal in the last second of the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 7 2020, in Blacksburg, Va. Liberty won 38-35. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Could Harbaugh spin coaching carousel?

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 07, 2020 07:50 PM 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

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 Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, Tennessee center Brandon Kennedy (55) gets ready to snap the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, in Knoxville, Tenn. Brandon Kennedy already has a master's degree in sports psychology and is working on a second as the offensive lineman is back for a rare sixth college season. The center who started his career at Alabama before transferring chose to try playing one final year on a Tennessee offensive line that finally has talent and depth. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
NCAA eligibility ruling solves some problems, creates others

Ralph D. Russo Aug. 21, 2020 05:05 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2016, file photo, Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione gestures as he answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla. Whether college football players play a lot in the fall, a little in the spring or not all over the next 10 moths, some athletic administrators want to give them a mulligan on the 2020-21 season. “I think the most forgiving, flexible plan would be the best,” Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Mulligan: Extra year of NCAA eligibility for fall athletes?

By Ralph D. Russo Aug. 18, 2020 12:23 PM EDT