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
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 /
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Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Desmond Ridder played excellently

Many have said that if Cincinnati is going to be a threat in the playoff, it is going to have to get better and more consistent from their quarterback. Ridder was 17-for-23 for 274 yards and three touchdowns and was in control of the game from the start.

The Bearcats were able to throw it deep and did so early in the game against a vulnerable SMU secondary. Ridder is going to be an X-factor for the team going forward and if they can get play like this from Ridder every week, this is a dangerous team.

Ridder also had a solid day running the ball and was effective with his legs. He is a quarterback that some think has the ability to be a first-round pick in April’s NFL draft. He has not shown that consistently this year, but this game was his best of the season.

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