The game of college football and its polls are something to follow during the season. While the one coaches want to see their teams listed in won’t come out until after the season ends, going from unranked to Top 15 after only three games means voters are starting to take notice of a couple of things.
The Bearcats have finished the past two seasons ranked in the Top 25. Despite the talk of a depleted defense, Brian Kelly has his team on a roll with their latest victory over Oregon State and making a move in the polls coming in at 14 in the AP poll and 15 in the Coaches poll.
So why have the Bearcats taken such a fast path to the rankings this season?
It’s easy to breakdown.
The first thing now as compared to the past is the Bearcats are now not such a surprise. Two years of being ranked in the final poll and a Big East Championship and BCS appearance has placed the University of Cincinnati on the tip of the tongues of voters. This was not the case in the past.
After three games where the Bearcats destroyed Rutgers, a team many voters felt would be the surprise team of the Big East this season. And a total blowout of Southeast Missouri State that was expected, the Bearcats headed west to battle an Oregon State team that had won 26 home non-conference games in a row.
While the victory was only a ten point victory the Bearcats proved to voters they are a team to continue to watch as the season continues. Kelly has his offense running as never before and his defense looks faster and stronger than last years.
With heads turned Brian Kelly and his team will need to stay focused as an always tough Fresno State team will come to Nippert Stadium next Saturday looking to add to their list of upset wins.
Here are highlights from our Scout.com parent company Fox Sports of Saturday nights win over Oregon State.