Cincinnati enters their fifth straight bowl game at 7-5 with a tough matchup against the 10-3 San Diego State Aztecs awaiting them in the Hawaii Bowl.
The Aztecs are currently enjoying a nine-game winning streak, including a Mountain West Conference Championship, after defeating Air Force, 27-24, a couple weeks ago. Led by Donnel Pumphrey, the San Diego State rushing attack is one of the best in the nation. San Diego State also features a stingy 3-3-5 defense, ranked fifth nationally, designed to limit explosive passing attacks. Cincinnati's fifth ranked offense will attempt to put up points, which haven't come easy this season against the Aztecs.