After an uneven first half, the Bearcats - led by Michael Warren - bulldozed South Florida in the final 30 minutes, winning their ninth game, 35-23.

Cincinnati came back from down 16-14 at the half. UC was sloppy throughout the first 30 minutes, and yet my sense was that if the Bearcats could clean up just a few things, they'd be okay.

My sense proved to be correct. 

The 9-1 Cats visit 9-0 UCF next week, with a chance to hand that program its first loss since 2016. The Knights are fond of referring to themselves as college football's defending "national champions" after running the table last year. They're in the middle of a heated College Football Playoff with an unbeated record this season. 

It's a tremendous opportunity for Luke Fickell's team, with the possible backdrop of ESPN's College Gameday setting up shop in Orlando, and with conference title possibilities still in play.

I can't wait to see if UC is up to the task. 

(Photo: Getty Images)