In the final AP poll, Cincy got three votes for #1.
Yes, they're in. And yes, they got lucky both with how the competition fell out and on plays like the Tulsa one cited above. But they're in because there's no rational argument that can be made to keep them out. If there was any argument that had legs, they might be on the outside looking in.
Hell, I could argue that Pitt could've been one loss if not for a single bad execution between Pickett and Addison where Addison zigged while Pickett zagged, leading to an INT instead of a certain TD. Where would a one-loss Pitt team (granted it was an early loss to a directional) been the CFB conversation (probably not top 4 since ACC was mediocre, but as interesting as ND)?
I know most of y'all hate Pitt due to BE demise history, but as my wife went there and I live here I watch all their games. They are highly entertaining and surprisingly solid in all facets. I think Pitt would beat Cincy today. I think Pitt will take MSU in Atlanta. They're not a team you want to face right now. They had some significant defensive issues early in the season and the secondary is still iffy, but the front seven have shut down some high powered offenses on their own, and Pickett, even when hurt, has been as good as any QB in FBS. There are no gimmicks to his game, he's not a system guy. And Pickett to Addison is the best tandem I've seen since Pennington to Moss.
Anyway, I think Cincy gets rolled by 'Bama. And I wouldn't be surprised to see Michigan take the championship as I think they're playing the best out of the four over the past month. So I'm going UM>UGA, Bama>Cincy, UM>Bama, barring any significant injuries or anyone of note deciding to opt out to preserve draft status.