Cincinnati Football: 3 takeaways from AAC showdown win at Houston

2. Michael Warren II solid out of the backfield

Running back Michael Warren II is a critical cog of the Cincinnati offense. When he plays well, the Bearcats tend to have a much higher shot at pulling off a victory. When he struggles — as he did in a 10-carry, 15-yard performance against Ohio State — it makes it that much more difficult for the Bearcats to keep the ball moving and generate points.

Compared to that Ohio State game, Warren posted 92 rushing yards and a touchdown against UCLA in the season opener, and he added three catches for 27 yards and a receiving score to knock off the Bruins. The same was true in their Week 6 upset of UCF, as Warren finished with 133 rushing yards and four catches for 19 more in the air.

It was hardly Warren’s best day statistically as a Bearcat. The running back finished with 68 yards on the ground as he earned 17 carries. But he did also chip in with an 11-yard touchdown catch from Ridder, matching his performance against UCLA with both types of scores.

If Cincinnati is going to live up to their potential as a threat to win the American Athletic Conference and break into the New Year’s Six this year, Warren has to continue producing as a run/catch threat out of the backfield for the Bearcats.