Cole Smith's 34-yard field goal as time expired lifted the University of Cincinnati Bearcats to a 27-24 win Saturday night against Tulsa at Nippert Stadium in the American Athletic Conference Championship.
With the victory, the Bearcats moved to 9-0 this season and clinched at least a berth in a New Year's Six bowl game.
"I not only want to congratulate the Cincinnati Bearcats and their great coach, Luke Fickell, but this team deserves to be in the (College Football) Playoff," AAC commissioner Mike Aresco declared before presenting the championship trophy to the Bearcats.