Cincinnati Football: 3 takeaways from big win over SMU in Week 12

Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Curtis Brooks (92) reacts after sacking Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Tanner Mordecai (not pictured) in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Jabari Taylor (90) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone in the fourth quarter during an NCAA football game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bearcats won, 28-20.Tulsa Golden Hurricane At Cincinnati Bearcats Nov 6 /

2. Cincinnati proved it has an elite secondary

One of the biggest strengths of the Bearcats football team is their secondary. From Ahmad Gardner to Coby Bryant, this is one of the best secondaries in the country and they showed why on Saturday.

They held one of the top passing teams in the country to 38 yards passing and 1.7 yards per attempt. That is staggering to think about and this group has been one of the most consistent in the country all season long. It was a great showcase game for them to show how deep they are in the backend of the defense.

SMU has been putting up points on everyone this season, but they never had a chance against the Bearcats on Saturday. This secondary is going to have a big challenge in the AAC championship game against Houston and they are going to have to have a similar kind of game that they did today.

Home/Cincinnati Bearcats