Cincinnati enters their fifth straight bowl game at 7-5 with a tough matchup against the 10-3 San Diego State Aztecs awaiting them in the Hawaii Bowl.
The Aztecs are currently enjoying a nine-game winning streak, including a Mountain West Conference Championship, after defeating Air Force, 27-24, a couple weeks ago. Led by Donnel Pumphrey, the San Diego State rushing attack is one of the best in the nation. San Diego State also features a stingy 3-3-5 defense, ranked fifth nationally, designed to limit explosive passing attacks. Cincinnati's fifth ranked offense will attempt to put up points, which haven't come easy this season against the Aztecs.
Cincinnati is starting redshirt freshman Hayden Moore at quarterback in place of Gunner Kiel, who didn't travel with the team to deal with some personal matters. San Diego State's Maxwell Smith could play, despite tearing his ACL on Nov. 28 against Nevada. If he is unable to go, Christian Chapman, a redshirt freshman, will get the starting nod.
Hawaii Bowl Game Preview - Cincinnati vs. San Diego State
Hawaii Bowl Matchups
- Offense - Key Matchups for Cincinnati Offense
- Defense - Cincinnati Defensive Focus for Hawaii Bowl
- Special Teams and Coaching
Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State Players to Watch
