2022 Week 8 Preview: Cincinnati Bearcats @ SMU Mustangs

Cincinnati has not lost to an AAC opponent since Memphis defeated the Bearcats in back-to-back weeks at the tail end of 2019. Cincinnati has won 18 consecutive games against AAC competition, including two triumphs in the conference title game. In the past two seasons, Cincinnati steamrolled quality SMU teams by an aggregate score of 90-27. The series shifts back to Dallas where the Mustangs hope for a better turnout under first-year head coach Rhett Lashlee.

Cincinnati is 5-1, 2-0 in the AAC and No. 21 in AP Poll. SMU is 1-6 and one of four teams without an FBS win in 2022. Cincinnati's defense ranks first in tackles for loss and third in sacks. The team's offense has struggled to convert on third downs. SMu's offensive line is stout. In the secondary, Cincinnati has excelled. It's the third lowest completion rate in Fbs and the 19th in fewest passing yards allowed. They have also moved on from the All-American cornerback duo of Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant.

Cincinnati Bearcats host SMU Mustangs in a primetime game on Saturday. SMu won last Friday's game against Navy 40-34. The Mustang's offense is ranked fourth in the country, but their defense is struggling. They are 108th in total defense in FBS, allowing 432 yards per game. They have a strong defensive line with 2.2 sacks per games. Their running game is still a work in progress. Velton Gardner and Tre Siggers were scratched for the game, so SMUS will use their trio of backs to keep the offense multi-dimensional.

Cincinnati Bearcats are going to play SMU Mustangs in the Week 8 game. SMu has struggled to beat Cincinnati in recent years. Cincinnati has advantages on defense and will challenge SMM's air attack. Ben Bryant and Tyler Scott will be able to help Cincinnati's offense.