Mustang football returns to action after a bye week when the University of Cincinnati (2-3, 0-1 American Athletic Conference) comes to Ford Stadium on Saturday. The game is the first conference home game of the season for SMU (0-5, 0-1 AAC).
Following a grueling nonconference schedule, the Mustangs opened conference play on the road against with a 45-24 loss to top-25 opponent East Carolina. SMU’s offense broke out of its season-long funk with 390 yards and three touchdowns behind a solid game from quarterback Garrett Krstich. The improvement has SMU Interim Head Coach Tom Mason optimistic, and a win against the Bearcats could turn SMU’s season around.
“If we can get a win here, this could launch us through the rest of the season,” Mason said. “You’ve got them at home, everything’s set for you, now we just have to go out and play.”
SMU is still searching for its first win, but Cincinnati has also scuffled lately. The Bearcats have lost three straight games after winning their first two. But their high-powered offense will test the Mustangs.
Led by quarterback Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati averages 333.8 passing yards per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. Cincinnati’s top two wide receivers, Chris Moore and Mekale McKay, average a combined 21.6 yards per catch and have each caught five touchdowns.
Kiel was one of the Class of 2012’s top quarterback recruits, and he originally signed with Notre Dame. He transferred to Cincinnati after the 2012 season, but did not play his first college game until this season. In just five games, he has thrown for 1,612 yards and 18 touchdowns.
“He reminds me of Garrett Gilbert a bit last year,” Mason said. “He throws the ball well and he was in a similar situation, leaving a high-profile program. He’s a big physical kid, he’s got a good arm and he can run.”
The Bearcats offense has also looked human at times. Kiel has committed seven turnovers on the season. The Bearcats’ average only 96.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks 116th out 128 FBS teams.
The Mustangs’ offense looked comfortable against AAC competition, and should continue to score against a leaky Cincinnati defense, which allows 40.8 points per game. But during the bye week, SMU’s offense lost a key member. Running back K.C. Nlemchi, who was going to get most of the carries for the rest of the season, was suspended for violating team rules. Mason says he hopes to have him back in November.
Cincinnati can move the ball well, but if the Mustangs can force the Bearcats to turn the ball over, they can win. SMU can exploit Kiel’s inexperience and force mistakes by using disguised coverage and bringing pressure.
SMU’s run defense has been bad all season, so facing a team with a weak running game gives SMU an advantage. The secondary had a rash of injuries against Texas A&M; and TCU, but should be healthy coming off the bye week. Safety Shakiel Randolph is expected to return after missing the game against East Carolina with an injury.
SMU and Cincinnati joined the AAC prior to the 2013 season. The teams played for the first time ever last season. Cincinnati won 28-25 on its home field.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and is televised by CBS Sports Network.
Keys to the game:
1. Create turnovers
2. Bring pressure and use disguised coverage to try to confuse Kiel
3. Continue to improve offensive line play
