The American Athletic Conference will feature a signature game during rivalry week, as Cincinnati hosts Tulane as the deciding game for who will play in the AAC Championship Game. This matchup features two top 25 ranked opponents, as Tulane is coming in at No. 19 and Cincinnati is ranked No. 24. For the Bearcats, it’s simple: win and they will be hosting the AAC Championship Game for the third consecutive season. Tulane can host the conference title game for the first time ever with a win. The Bearcats were expected to be in a small rebuild year, as they lost stars like Desmond Ridder and Sauce Gardner. This season has been the opposite of that, as they have fought through adversity and found themselves right back in a position to make the conference championship. 

Dylan’s Keys to the Game for Tulane:

Feed Tyjae Spears.

Tyjae Spears is on a hot streak after starting the season aboard the struggle bus. He had just one 100-yard game through his first six games, but he’s bounced back with five straight such games with seven total touchdowns during that stretch. He’s on a similar path to his 2021 season where he didn’t record 100 yards rushing until he faced Cincinnati in late October and then finished the season with three straight 100-yard games, including a massive 264-yard outing in the regular season finale against Memphis. Cincinnati’s run defense has been vulnerable at times, especially if guys like Ivan Pace Jr. and Dontay Corleone are neutralized.

Be prepared for Evan Prater.

Evan Prater stepped in for the injured Ben Bryant against Temple last week and flashed his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. While he doesn’t quite have the gunslinger mentality that Bryant possesses, Prater can turn a broken play into a positive gain with his legs. He’s only attempted 36 passes in his career (25 in 2022), but he nearly won the job over Bryant before the season, so the staff definitely thinks of him highly. But Prater’s athleticism gives the Bearcats offense another element for opponents to worry about. Tulane’s defense has done a good job this year of containing opponents’ top backs, but it often forgets about the ability of opposing quarterbacks to create plays with their legs (John Rhys Plumlee, Clayton Tune, Gerry Bohanon).

Kyler’s Keys to the Game for Cincinnati:

Cincinnati stacks up well against Tulane, as the Bearcats have one of the best defenses in the country. Heading into this week, the highest-graded defensive players in the FBS (per PFF) are DL Dontay Corleone (93.9) and LB Ivan Pace Jr. (93.0). Corleone and Pace have been stars all season, helping Cincinnati allow just 19.7 points per game (22nd in FBS ranks). Pace was just recently nominated as a Butkus Award finalist. I expect Pace to play with an extra edge this weekend as he looks to further his case for the best linebacker in the country. 

For Cincinnati’s offense, it is a different story. Fifth-year senior Ben Bryant suffered an ankle injury last week against Temple and will likely be designated as a game-time decision. Redshirt sophomore Evan Prater will make the start if Bryant cannot go. Bearcats faithful knew Prater would get a shot at some point this year, but they did not know it would be in the biggest game of the season. The offense will look a little different as Prater adds a dual-threat element in the backfield. In order to have success against a stout Tulane defense, Cincinnati will have to be balanced and establish the run early. Cincinnati has kept leads and been out in front of its opponents when it has success running the ball. A three-headed monster backfield, along with Prater, will create some serious problems for Tulane’s defense.

Dylan’s Players to Watch for Tulane:

WR Shae Wyatt — Tulane QB Michael Pratt throws the ball around the yard to a variety of receivers, as six different guys have at least 23 receptions with none of them catching more than 27. But Shae Wyatt has the best chance to be a game-changer for the Green Wave. He’s an explosive guy averaging 19.3 yards per catch, and his ball-tracking skills and ability to find the open spots in the field are second-to-none on the team.

S Macon Clark – The fifth-year senior has been a playmaker on the backside of Tulane’s defense throughout his career. In 56 career games, he’s tallied nine interceptions, two pick sixes, 17 passes defensed, 17.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Macon Clark is a leader on a defensive unit, which will have to play its best game of the season in order to pull off the win. Clark is a willing and physical tackler, but he’ll often miss open field tackles. Clark will have to play the best game of his career, and I’m predicting he’ll create a big turnover in this game.

Kyler’s Players to Watch for Cincinnati:

WR Tyler Scott — Scott leads the way in receiving for Cincinnati. He is one of the fastest wideouts in the country and currently has nine touchdowns, with seven of them coming at home. Scott is a rolling highlight tape and consistently produces big plays downfield. Whoever the quarterback is for the Bearcats, I guarantee they will be looking Scott’s way and expecting him to make a big play when they need it most.

S Bryon Threats — Cincinnati’s secondary has been sketchy at times, but Threats has shown some bright moments all season long. Threats grabbed an interception against Temple last week and now has 46 total tackles on the season. He is a do-it-all safety who will play a premium role on Friday for the Bearcats. Tulane will bring a balanced offensive attack that will require Threats to make big plays in the secondary and in the box.

Dylan’s Score Prediction:

Tulane has not beaten a team ranked in the AP Top 25 since Oct. 8, 1984 when it knocked off No. 19 Vanderbilt on the road. The Green Wave have lost 61 straight games against ranked opponents. History tends to repeat itself, but I think this Tulane team has as good a chance as any to end the streak. However, the veteran Cincinnati team will make the right plays in the right moments, particularly on defense, to seal the victory. Cincinnati 20, Tulane 17.

Kyler’s Score Prediction:

Cincinnati has its home crowd backing it up in this one. Even on Black Friday, Nippert Stadium will be sold out and packed as always. Whoever is at quarterback, I know Cincinnati will adjust accordingly and put its signal-caller in the best position to succeed. The biggest key in this game is Cincinnati’s defense, which I believe will be too much for Tulane. Cincinnati 28, Tulane 17.