Cincinnati Football: 3 reasons the Bearcats will beat SMU in Week 8

2. Cincinnati’s offensive line will be stout against SMU

The Bearcats have not had many opportunities to have explosive performances in the three games played so far this season. In the three games played, the offensive line has allowed only four sacks and 15 tackles for losses from opposing defenses. Most of the plays allowed on the Bearcats in the huge 55-20 win over Austin Peay came in garbage time.

The offense for the Bearcats will be experiencing a much more efficient and productive defense in the Mustangs. In the five games that the Mustangs have played, their defense has accounted for 39 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.

The offensive line for Cincinnati has plenty of experienced players due to the multiple injuries they encountered last season. They are led by Michigan transfer and Athlon Sports’ first-team All-AAC left tackle James Hudson. They are also led by preseason third-team center Jakari Robinson and returning senior right tackle Darius Harper.

The line will have to have a huge game against this Mustangs front-seven as they can account for big plays in the backfield. This is an offensive line that can create push and create efficient running lanes for their running backs. SMU’s defense allowed an average of 5.4 yards per carry on 38 touches in the 30-27 win over the No. 25 Memphis Tigers three weeks ago.

They will also have an important task of keeping the pocket clean for their quarterback in Desmond Ridder, who has been known to turn the ball over consistently.