Josiah Deguara
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Clemson during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: A familiar top 10 looking to 2020

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 14, 2020 02:22 PM EST

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) is tackled by Boston College defensive back Jason Maitre (3) as he carries the ball during the first half of the Birmingham Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Ridder, No. 23 Cincinnati romp over Boston College, 38-6

By John Zenor Jan. 02, 2020 07:40 PM EST

Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell takes the field with his players before the first half of an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
No. 17 Cincinnati can clinch AAC East by beating Temple

By The Associated Press Nov. 21, 2019 04:27 PM EST

South Florida quarterback Jordan McCloud (12) is tripped by Temple cornerback Harrison Hand (23) on a run during the second half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
No. 17 Cincinnati wants to avoid letdown against USF

By Fred Goodall Nov. 15, 2019 04:42 PM EST

Cincinnati's Michael Warren II (3) avoids a tackle by East Carolina's Xavier Smith (37) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Greenville, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
No. 17 Cincinnati aims to clinch share of AAC East title

By The Associated Press Nov. 14, 2019 05:04 PM EST

Connecticut quarterback Jack Zergiotis passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
No. 17 Cincinnati stays unbeaten in AAC, routs UConn 48-3

By Joe Kay Nov. 09, 2019 06:49 PM EST

Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder (9) avoids a rush by East Carolina's Chance Purvis (46) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Greenville, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
No. 17 Cincinnati escapes with 46-43 victory over ECU

By Joedy Mccreary Nov. 02, 2019 10:55 PM EDT

UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel looks to pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
AAC upset: Cincinnati beats No. 18 UCF 27-24 with 3 INTs

By Joe Kay Oct. 04, 2019 11:42 PM EDT

Marshall's Willie Johnson (1) attempts to get past Cincinnati's Jaquan Sheppard (39) on a kickoff return an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Huntington, W.Va. (Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch via AP)
Ridder throws 4 TDs, Cincinnati whips Marshall 52-14

By John Raby Sep. 28, 2019 08:15 PM EDT

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder rolls out of the pocket during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against UCLA on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Cincinnati. (Kareem Elgazzar/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
Warren, Ridder lead Bearcats to 24-14 win over UCLA

Aug. 29, 2019 10:42 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2018, file photo, Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder scrambles next to Central Florida defensive lineman Joey Connors (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla. The Bearcats return most of their key players for a tough schedule that opens with UCLA and Ohio State. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Experienced Bearcats try to build on breakout season

By Joe Kay Aug. 15, 2019 05:50 PM EDT