AAC Week 12 picks: Cincinnati vs. UCF & 2 more

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

November 18th, 2020

Even with a pair of cancellations in the AAC this week, the conference has exciting Thursday-night football and an important test for a Cincinnati team seeking national prominence.

Let's take a look at the AAC schedule this week and make some picks.

#7 Cincinnati vs. Central Florida

In the bizarre 2020 college football season, Cincinnati has a chance to prove it can compete for a national championship. If the Bearcats want to convince the College Football Playoff committee they belong in the final four, they must dominate the Knights.

This game will be decided by who dictates the style of play.

While Cincinnati has its fair share of explosive plays, the Bearcats want to methodically move the ball down the field, control the clock, and give their defense enough time to breathe before it suffocates the opponent.

UCF coach Josh Heupel wants to turn the game into a track meet and run up and down the field all afternoon.

The Knights' style will make it difficult for Cincinnati to smother UCF, something the Bearcats have done to every opponent this season.

I believe Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder will be able to move the ball effectively and prevent UCF QB Dillon Gabriel from getting into a rhythm.

Desmond Ridder with a DIME for 6! pic.twitter.com/APMkXVRNP3
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 14, 2020

Cincinnati is undefeated against the spread in 2020. Keep riding the Bearcats' train and don’t get off until they’re knocking on the CFP Committee’s door.

Pick: Cincinnati -5.5

Tulane vs. #25 Tulsa

The Golden Hurricane is ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2010, after Tulsa upset SMU, 28-24, on Saturday.

In a matchup between two of the AAC’s better defenses, the total is understandably low. Don’t be fooled. These teams are going to put up points in a wild Thursday-night game.

Pick: Over 53.5

East Carolina vs. Temple

Which side do you choose in a battle of one-win teams? Even though they were blown out a week ago at Cincinnati and lost by 17 to Tulane the week prior, East Carolina has kept it close with every other opponent.

I have more faith in the Pirates.