There were many on the internet debating whether or not Cincinnati belonged in the College Football Playoff after its 276 loss against Alabama on Friday in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
The Bearcats (13–1), the fourth seed and first Group of 5 team to make the playoff final four, were the nation’s only undefeated team before Friday.
Alabama coach Nick Saban, who led the Crimson Tide to their sixth straight semifinal win, was not one of the doubters, however.
In addition to making Group of 5 history, Cincinnati’s overall record is impressive considering Friday’s loss was just its second in two seasons—both coming in their final games.