Cincinnati proved its worth even in a 27-6 loss to Alabama in Friday's Cotton Bowl.
"There’s no doubt in my mind they belonged in the playoff," Alabama coach Nick Saban told reporters after the game. "They gave us all we could handle."
Even with a 13-0 record entering the day, many questioned Cincinnati's spot in the College Football Playoff based on the strength of schedule. The American Athletic Conference champion was the first Group of Five team to earn a spot in the national semifinals.
The Bearcats lost by three touchdowns, but they earned the respect of the opposing coach.