Cincinnati's 66th touchdown ties Bearcats' single-season record in AAC title game

The Cincinnati Bearcats allowed a field goal on the Houston Cougars' opening drive of the American Athletic Conference title game Saturday at Nippert Stadium, but UC responded with a five-play, 82-yard scoring drive that ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Desmond Ridder to Tyler Scott.

UC, hoping to strengthen its College Football Playoff semifinal hopes by improving to 13-0, took a 7-3 lead with 9:38 left in the first quarter before Houston answered with a touchdown of its own to regain the lead.

A win could convince the CFP selection committee to make the Bearcats the first-ever Group of Five team invited to the semifinals. Oklahoma State's loss Saturday to Baylor in the Big 12 title…