Group of Five New Year’s 6 Watch, Week 8: Coastal Carolina atop Sun Belt

1. SMU Mustangs (5-0, 2-0 AAC)

This week is the true test of whether or not SMU can win without Reggie Roberson and TJ McDaniel. Roberson is second on the team in receptions (he was first before the injury), and McDaniel was second on the team in rushing. Things worked out for the Mustangs as they defeated Tulane in overtime last week.

Without two of their best players on offense, the Mustangs still racked up 581 yards of total offense. SMU ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns; they threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns, including three receivers top 100 yards. That was against a defense that gives up 433 yards and 32 points per game.  This week, the Mustangs face one of the best defenses in the Group of Five, if not the entire country.

The Cincinnati Bearcats are allowing 306.7 yards and just 12.3 points per game. Conversely, for Cincy, this is the best offense they’ve faced all season. Even without Roberson, the Mustang’s passing game is still robust. SMU’s offensive line is solid and protects quarterback Shane Buechele well. Cincinnati’s defense will slow SMU’s offense with their ability to get home with a four-person rush.

SMU has been good defensively, but not nearly as good as last season. The determining factor for this game will be whether or not Cincinnati can score enough points to keep up with SMU. The Bearcats will play good defense, but the offense can stagnate at times, no matter who they play. That’s why SMU is favored.