The #2 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats (7-0, 3-0 AAC) face the Tulane Green Wave (1-6, 0-3 AAC) in a crucial American Athletic Conference matchup at noon EST on ESPN2.

Betting Odds:

• Cincinnati -26.5 (-105)
• Tulane +26.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: 61.5 (Over -115, Under -105)

Cincinnati's Keys to Victory:

• Establish the run game with Jerome Ford against Tulane's weak rush defense
• Bounce back from last week's close win against Navy
• Get QB Desmond Ridder back on track after struggling versus Navy

Tulane's Keys to Victory:

• QB Michael Pratt must play error-free (16 TDs, 5 INTs this season)
• RB Cameron Carroll (5.0 YPC) needs to find the endzone
• Keep pace with Cincinnati's high-powered offense

Analysis: Cincinnati aims for a statement win to boost their College Football Playoff hopes, especially after last week's narrow victory. Tulane's defense, which has allowed 40+ points in four of their last five games, likely can't contain the Bearcats' offense. With the first CFP rankings coming next week, expect Cincinnati to dominate as they pursue their playoff dreams as the first non-Power 5 team.

Prediction: Cincinnati should win convincingly, covering the 26.5-point spread while making their case for the College Football Playoff committee.

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