Temple @ Cincinnati (5) -29

In one of the biggest victories in the history of Cincinnati’s program, the Bearcats are coming off a 24-13 victory at Notre Dame. Is this the year that a Group of Five team finally cracks the College Football Playoffs? Ohio State and Clemson are not looking like their usual selves, while Alabama and Georgia have established themselves in the SEC. This is an obvious letdown sport for Cincinnati but can they still cover 29 points against a Temple team that just has not been impressive at all this year? Surprisingly, Temple managed to defeat Memphis last week although for those who watched the game, it was more of Memphis losing the game than Temple winning. Still, the Owls are faced with another tough task this week compared to their previous victories against Wagner, an FCS school, and Akron. Cincinnati comes in ranked fifth in the nation, and have won both their home games by an average score of 35 points. Desmond Ritter has taken another step forward this season and is completing over 63% over his passes through the air. Temple’s defense will have their hands full with Cincinnati’s Jerome Ford, who is averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry this year. Cincy knows this may be a now or never year for making the College Football Playoffs, especially with perennial powerhouses faltering out of the gate. The Bearcats are not going to let up as every win will be rated by the playoff committee, so expect Cincinnati to easily cover the 29 points against Temple on Friday night.