Southern Methodist University (SMU) got back on track last week with a big win over Navy but will face an even more daunting opponent on October 22 when they host the No. 21 Cincinnati Bearcats.
SMU is 3-3 entering the contest with close losses to Maryland and TCU and a blowout defeat when the Cowboys traveled to Central Florida two weeks ago. The Bearcats are coming off a bye and are likely to have one of the team’s most lethal weapons available, setting up the possibility that SMU will be playing from behind.
SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai has thrown for 2,016 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just six interceptions this season while leading a team that is scoring 35 points per game. SMU is averaging an impressive 490.3 yards per game despite the 3-3 record. Against Navy last week, Mordecai completed 20 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 74 yards rushing and a touchdown in the victory.
Cincinnati quarterback Ben Bryant has similar numbers to those of Mordecai, accumulating 1,561 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions, but does not have the ground yards that Mordecai has produced. Bryant is sitting at -39 yards rushing this season. He is questionable to start on Saturday after suffering a concussion against South Florida on October 8. Bryant got an extra week due to the bye to recover.
If Bryant is unable to play, the starting job will fall to Evan Prater, who has only 11 completions in three seasons. With Bryant under center, the Bearcats will likely focus on the run game led by Charles McClelland, who has 502 yards on 76 carries this season.
The Mustangs have been porous on run defense, allowing teams to average 4.5 yards per carry and a per-game average of 209 yards surrendered.
Cincinnati has not lost a game since Week 1 against the Arkansas Razorbacks, winning five straight since then. The team is winning on the strength of the offense, which is averaging 38.2 points per game, including a 63-point day in Week 2. That could be on the line against SMU, a defense that just last week was able to manhandle a physical run-based Navy team.
SMU will need to rely on creative play calling on offense to overcome a stout Bearcats’ defense. Cincinnati is giving up only 318.4 yards per game and is holding teams to under 17 points per game. The defense is led by Ivan Pace Jr., with five sacks and 62 tackles this season. Overall, the Bearcats have earned 23 sacks in 2022.
It will be critical for Cincinnati to get pressure on Mordecai early and often if Bryant cannot play. If SMU can get a quick start and score points early in the game, it could be a long game for the Bearcats, who may lack the firepower to keep up with the Mustangs without Bryant.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook Wire have Cincinnati winning the game with a -3.5 spread and a 61.5 over/under. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. CDT from Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.
