After two straight heartbreaking losses, Cincinnati will take on Boston College in the 2019 Birmingham Bowl in, you guessed it, Birmingham, AL on Jan. 2nd.
How They Got Here: Boston College
Boston College started the year by beating Virginia Tech, but the momentum quickly died after a loss to Kansas. Boston College lost quarterback Anthony Brown to a season-ending injury, putting backup Dennis Grosel in the starting role.
With an inexperienced QB, they transitioned to a run-first offense. They were 4-4 November and needed a road upset over Pitt in the season finale to become bowl eligible. Even with that win, the school fired head coach Steve Addazio.
How They Got Here: Cincinnati
After getting their ass-kicked against Ohio State early in the season, Cincinnati ran the table until they ran into Memphis……twice.
The first loss gave Memphis the AAC West and home field in the AAC title game. The second loss gave Memphis the AAC championship and clinched a spot in a NY6 game, while Cincy dropped to the Birmingham bowl.
Players To Watch
Boston College: Max Richardson
Richardson is third in the ACC with 108 tackles on the season, earning a second-team all ACC selection. He has been the captain of the BC defense and will be important to the success of Boston College in the bowl game.
Cincinnati: Josiah Deguara
Deguara is a player that some scouts are buzzing about. He is a TE/FB hybrid, an absolutely beautiful combination of alpha. But he is playing for his NFL future, watch for him to have a huge game.
Gambling: Cincinnati -7 O/U 55
I’m taking Cincinnati and the points. They got kind of screwed in their bowl selection. But this is a super talented team against a team in Boston College whose only identity is AJ Dillon. I think the Bearcats should roll on their way to the 2019 Birmingham Bowl title.
You can view the rest of our 2019 bowl previews here.