Cincinnati and Boston College set for Birmingham Bowl
By The Associated Press - Jan. 01, 2020 06:50 PM EST
FILE - This 2010 photo shows Rich Gunnell after he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football team. Gunnell, who became wide receivers coach at his Alma Mater Boston College, was named the school's interim football coach after head coach Steve Addazio was fired on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019.(AP Photo, File)
FILE - This 2010 photo shows Rich Gunnell after he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football team. Gunnell, who became wide receivers coach at his Alma Mater Boston College, was named the school's interim football coach after head coach Steve Addazio was fired on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019.(AP Photo, File)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder scores a touchdown on a 15-yard run against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the American Athletic Conference championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) scrambles against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the American Athletic Conference championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Birmingham Bowl: No. 23 Cincinnati (10-3) vs. Boston College (6-6) in Birmingham, Alabama, Thursday at 3 p.m. EST (ESPN).

Line: Cincinnati by 7-1/2.

Series record: Boston College leads 4-3.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Cincinnati is looking to finish up ranked in the Top 25 and have a second straight season with 11 wins. Boston College wants to secure a winning record and its first bowl win since 2016, while being led by interim coach Rich Gunnell.

KEY MATCHUP

Cincinnati and the AAC's top scoring defense against an offense averaging 451 yards and 30.9 points per game. The Bearcats are allowing an average of 21.7 points.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cincinnati: QB Desmond Ridder is a double threat. He has passed for 2,069 yards and 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He also has run for 570 yards and two scores.

Boston College: RB David Bailey replaces Boston College's all-time leading rusher A.J. Dillon, who is skipping the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. The 240-pound Bailey ran for 181 yards against North Carolina State and 172 versus Syracuse, rushing for a pair of touchdowns in each game.

FACTS & FIGURES

It's the first time since 2009 that the Bearcats were ranked in the final regular season poll. ... Cincinnati has two transfers who are eligible to play after completing the NCAA's mandated one year in residence: offensive lineman James Hudson (Michigan) and safety Bryan Cook (Howard). ... Boston College's last bowl win was 36-30 over Maryland in the 2016 Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. The First Responder Bowl in Dallas last year was cancelled due to the weather in the first quarter last season. ... The Eagles fired Steve Addazio after seven seasons on Dec. 1.