Let the Celebration Begin: Cincinnati Seemingly Clinches First-Ever Group of Five CFP Appearance

CINCINNATI, OHIO — Jerome Ford hit the jets for 187 yards and two touchdowns, Alec Pierce opened the door for a 21-point third quarter explosion, and the Cincinnati Bearcats clinched what is destined to be the group of five’s first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Ford, whose status has remained uncertain for the majority of Cincinnati’s recent games, tallied his team’s second touchdown on Saturday after a 79-yard run down the side sight of the field. The Alabama transfer completed a pre-bowl season performance of 182 carries for 1,055 yards and 17 scores.

Cincinnati (13-0, 9-0 American Athletic Conference) extended the FBS’s longest win streak to 13 games with the help of a near-spotless second half defense alongside Ford’s contributions.