This will be the first real test of the season for the Bearcats defense which ranks among the elite in most statistical categories, but has not faced an overabundance of competent offensive play. SMU's Run N' Raid offense packs a punch to be sure, and the Bearcats relatively thing secondary will be tested from the onset.

The good news is that the Mustangs defense is as bad as the offense is good. In the chance that the bottom falls completely out for the UC defense the offense should be able to keep pace with Brendon Kay throwing to this deep, talented wide receiver core. This has the makings of a shootout, and UC hasn't had one of those for a while.

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