During non-conference play, Tulsa had the fourth highest rated passing offense in the nation but a mediocre secondary has caused issues for the Golden Hurricane this season. Here is a statistical comparison of the two teams ahead of Saturday!
Cincinnati should be able take advantage of a defense that has allowed 16 passing touchdowns in four games. Ben Bryant has the 12th most passing touchdowns (11) and 13th most passing yards (1,127) in the country including three 300-yard performances.
If Bryant is on time and target, the Bearcats will be able to stretch the field and get Tyler Scott and Tre Tucker out in space with room to create. Leading up to the first conference game of the season, Luke Fickell broke down Bryant’s progress earlier this week.
"“Ben has done everything that we asked him to do. He’s highlighted the strengths we have on offense. That was one of the things in camp we were trying to evaluate the direction of the offense and who we are. You’re looking at the strengths you have and we had a good idea Tyler Scott and Tre Tucker were a strength of the offense. All in all, Ben has done a great job. Not just commanding the offense but gaining respect. He does a really good job of moving the ball around so in some ways you just keep everyone involved in the game. I think that’s a big deal.”"
Ben Bryant ➡ Tyler Scott#AmericanFB x @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/S7YLqn9oJD
— American Football (@American_FB) September 24, 2022
Cincinnati Football: Statistical comparison as Bearcats travel to Tulsa
Even though Tulsa has one of the most explosive offenses in the conference for many reasons, it will be much more difficult to pull off an upset without senior quarterback Davis Brin, who went down with an ankle injury last week and was replaced by backup Braylon Braxton.
No matter who starts under center, the Bearcats have to create pressure up front and allow the secondary to sit back in coverage. Cincinnati has 12 sacks in four games, which ranks 19th in the country, compared to Tulsa averaging just one sack per game.
The Golden Hurricane haven’t had much success on defense this season but a talented group of receivers should be enough to keep the game relatively close again. Fickell explained why Tulsa has been able to compete with the Bearcats in recent years.
"“I think the best thing about Tulsa is balance. I know they’re fourth in the country in passing and near the top in total offense and yardage. Where they have been so good, especially against us, is their balance. We have a great challenge in front of us. Tulsa has given us the best games over the past 3-4 years so we know it’s going to be a hard fought battle in a night game on the road.”"