Houston Football: 3 reasons the Cougars will win 2021 AAC title

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Derek Parish, Houston Football (Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Cincinnati has not faced a defense quite as good as Houston’s

The Bearcats, as argued by experts, have really just one quality win this season against a team with a formidable defense. That came against Notre Dame early in the season.

Houston doesn’t have that signature win against a big ranked team like Notre Dame, but they did secure a win over No. 19 SMU in the middle of the season before their epic collapse.

Houston is allowing just 19.8 points per game this season and allowing just 97 rushing yards per game. The Bearcats have just two games this season in which they rushed for less than 100 yards: Notre Dame and Navy

If Houston’s run defense has held opposing teams to 99 rushing yards or fewer in seven games this season, so Cincinnati has their work cut out for them.

If the Cougars are successful in siphoning off the run game, it’ll put immense pressure on Desmond Ridder to throw the football.

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