Yep, they did it! You want Bama, you got Bama!!

For the first time in the history of an on-field championship construct for top-level college football, a non-Power 5 team has been given the opportunity to play for the title.

They just have to beat Alabama first.

Cincinnati has won the chance, but now they get Alabama.

Luke Fickell has said he's only carrying the banner for his school.

He's wrong.  He's not only carrying the banner for the Group of 5, but, frankly, their future in college football, if they have one.

A lot of people are gonna stare down this game on December 31 as a litmus test, and a final one, for the Group of 5.  Many people have tried this for games like Oklahoma-Boise State in that classic Fiesta Bowl, etc.

If Cincinnati fails, and fails spectacularly, this probably IS the end of the Group of 5 in top-tier football.  There IS already talk of separating the divisions full-stop.

If Cincinnati at least keeps the game close, the Group of 5 gets a full place at the table if there's expansion, and the hesitancy of the Committee to take the Go5 more seriously is reduced.

That said, I understand what Coach Fickell is trying to say -- he's wrong.  He has to know what is on the line.

This is, however, a very beatable Alabama team.

Alabama is about a two-touchdown favorite over Cincinnati (-13 - -13 1/2)

Georgia is about a one-touchdown favorite over Michigan (-7 - -7 1/2)

Full New Year's Six:

Peach Bowl (Dec. 30):  Pittsburgh vs. Michigan State

Semifinal One (Dec. 31):  Cotton Bowl:  Cincinnati vs. Alabama

Semifinal Two (Dec. 31):  Orange Bowl:  Michigan vs. Georgia

Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 1):  Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State

Rose Bowl (Jan. 1):  Utah vs. Ohio State

Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1):  Ole Miss vs. Baylor

National Championship (Jan. 10):  Cotton Bowl Winner vs. Orange Bowl Winner