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

3. Cincinnati is expected to have a breakout game on offense

This game will be one of the biggest games for the entire AAC as this will help determine the race for the conference title game. With this game having so many implications of an offensive shootout, the Bearcats will be asked to step up in terms of productivity. They have only scored more than 28 points once in their three games they have played so far.

Cincinnati’s offense still averages 35.7 points per game (22nd in the nation) and they have converted 53 percent of their third downs (24-of-45) so far this season.

Senior running back Gerrid Doaks had a breakout game a few weeks ago in the 28-7 win over South Florida. He rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Former Alabama running back Jerome Ford is looking for his huge contributions as a flex back.

The biggest key for the Bearcats on offense is to have dual-threat quarterback Desmond Ridder emerge as a highly-efficient playmaker. So far this season, he has thrown for 597 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions on 47-of-78 completions. The offense likes to expand the field and win small matchups to get to the end zone. They can definitely win by keeping the Mustangs offense off the field.

This week, they will be asked to complete big plays through the air. Much of the pressure will be on offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to call an efficient game to potentially gas the Mustangs’ defense. If not, the Bearcats have the potential to make big plays, they need the push in this potential game of high-powered offenses.