No. 21 Cincinnati takes 5-game winning streak into SMU

Posted October 20, 2022 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell watches the team play against Tulsa in an NCAA college football game in Tulsa, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Crenshaw) The Associated Press

No. 21 Cincinnati (5-1, 2-0) at SMU (3-3, 1-1), Saturday, noon ET (FS1)

Line: Cincinnati by 3 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Cincinnati leads 5-1.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Cincinnati has a five-game winning streak since opening the season with a loss at Arkansas that pretty much eliminated any chance to get to a second straight College Football Playoff. But the Bearcats, coming off an open date, are still in pursuit of their third American Athletic Conference title before departing for the Big 12 next season. The Bearcats have won their last 18 AAC games, including the last conference championship games. SMU is coming off a 40-34 win over Navy that ended a three-game losing streak.

KEY MATCHUP

SMU QB Tanner Mordecai vs. the Cincinnati defense. Mordecai threw for 336 yards in the win over Navy to match the school record with his 12th career 300-yard game. He is the league's top passer and third nationally with 336 yards per game, and he has 15 TDs. The Bearcats give up only 186 yards passing per game and are tied for second in the league with six interceptions. They also lead the league with 3.8 sacks per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SMU: WR Rashee Rice ranks third nationally in receiving yards per game (126.8) and receptions per game (8.2).

Cincinnati: LB Ivan Pace leads the American with 10.3 tackles per game. His 12 1/2 tackles for loss and five sacks are also league highs. His TFLs are the most nationally.

FACTS & FIGURES

Bearcats coach Luke Fickell is going for his 54th career win, which would break a tie with Rick Minter for the most in school history. ... Cincinnati RB Charles McClelland had a career-best 179 yards rushing and two TDs against USF, including the go-ahead 35-yard score in the fourth quarter of the 28-24 win. ... The Mustangs have had at least 500 yards of offense in 13 of their last 26 games. ... Cincinnati leads the nation with 9.7 tackles for loss per game and four defensive touchdowns. ... SMU has won 16 of its last 19 home games.

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SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice (11) runs after catching a pass as TCU safety Abe Camara (14) defends during the first half of an NCAA college game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) The Associated Press

SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy in Dallas, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero) The Associated Press

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