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The Cincinnati Bearcats and the SMU Mustangs are set to square off in an American Athletic matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET Nov. 20 at Nippert Stadium. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the Bearcats and SMU will really light up the scoreboard on Saturday.
Cincinnati strolled past the South Florida Bulls with points to spare last Friday, taking the matchup 45-28. It was another big night for Cincinnati's QB Desmond Ridder, who passed for two TDs and 304 yards on 39 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 65 yards. That was the first 300+ yard effort for Ridder this season.
Meanwhile, the UCF Knights typically have all the answers at home, but last week SMU proved too difficult a challenge. Everything went SMU's way against the Knights as they made off with a 55-28 win. With the Mustangs ahead 38-14 at the half, the game was all but over already. SMU's RB Tre Siggers was one of the most active players for the squad, punching in three rushing touchdowns.
SMU's defense was a presence as well, as it embarrassed UCF's offensive line to sack the quarterback seven times for a total loss of 48 yards. Leading the way was DT DeVere Levelston and his three sacks. Levelston now has 6.5 sacks this season.
Cincinnati is the favorite in this one, with an expected 11.5-point margin of victory. Now might not be the best time to take Cincinnati against the spread since they've let down bettors for the past four consecutive games.
The wins brought the Bearcats up to 10-0 and SMU to 8-2. A pair of defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Cincinnati is stumbling into the contest with the 163rd most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 13 on the season. SMU has experienced some struggles of their own as they are 224th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 21 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
