Instant observations: Houston takes on Cincinnati for the American Athletic Conference championship

Houston’s 11-game winning streak was snapped in the American Athletic Conference championship game by a Cincinnati program destined to become the first G5 team to reach the College Football Playoffs. The Cougars hung in for the first half, trailing 14-13 after two quarters of play as Clayton Tune was efficient and the defense grew into the contest. A dominant third quarter provided the Bearcats with enough breathing room to cruise to a 35-20 victory. 

The Bearcats took over in the third quarter. Cincinnati outscored the Cougars 21-0 in the third quarter to build an insurmountable lead of 35-13 entering the fourth. The first touchdown of the third quarter came after Houston was flagged for pass interference on fourth down. Tune threw an uncharacteristic interception on the next drive, leading to a quick 14-point swing by the Bearcats to start the second half. Jerome Ford would turn a Houston fumble into another score to put the game away with 7:38 left in the third quarter.