The Cincinnati Bearcats enter the 2021 season ranked in the top ten following their impressive 9-1 campaign in 2020. Despite reaching #8 in the College Football Playoff rankings before a narrow 24-21 Peach Bowl loss to Georgia, the lack of quality non-conference wins prevented serious playoff consideration.

With quarterback Desmond Ridder returning along with many key players, Cincinnati aims beyond just an American Athletic Conference title - they have legitimate national championship aspirations. Their strong non-conference schedule featuring two top-15 Power Five opponents provides that opportunity.

Key Schedule Notes:

• Opening games vs Miami (OH) and Murray State
• Critical road matchups at #15 Indiana (Sept 18) and #6 Notre Dame (following bye week)
• Important conference games:
  • UCF at home (Oct 16)
  • Navy away (Oct 23)
  • Tulsa at home (Nov 6) - Championship game rematch

The 2021 conference schedule works in Cincinnati's favor as they avoid traditional powers Houston and Memphis while facing four teams that finished at the bottom of the 2020 standings. With UConn's departure, the American Athletic Conference eliminated divisions in favor of an eight-game conference schedule.

If Cincinnati can navigate this schedule successfully, particularly the challenging road games against Indiana and Notre Dame, they could position themselves for serious College Football Playoff consideration. Along with Ohio State, the state of Ohio may have multiple teams competing for a national title in 2021.

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