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Cincinnati Football: Week 8 preview, odds, predictions against SMU

ByCharles Post|
Courtland Sutton of the SMU Mustangs runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Getty Images.
Courtland Sutton of the SMU Mustangs runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Getty Images.

Even though the Bearcats are currently favored to slip past SMU this week, it’s going to be a difficult road trip to Dallas for several reasons. Check out our Week 8 preview with odds, predictions and pregame quotes to prepare for the matchup on Saturday!

Despite owning a relatively underwhelming record, the Mustangs come in with a lot of confidence and experience. SMU recently improved to 3-3 with a win over Navy as senior quarterback Tanner Mordecai led the way with 410 yards and four touchdowns.

In order to stay undefeated in AAC play, Cincinnati will have to limit Mordecai from creating big plays with senior wide receiver Rashee Rice. According to WynnBET, the Bearcats are 3-point favorites over SMU with the over/under set at 58.5 total points.

Cincinnati Football: Week 8 preview, odds, predictions against SMU

  • Date: Saturday, October 22 at 12:00 PM
  • Location: Gerald Ford Stadium in Dallas
  • TV Broadcast: ESPN and fuboTV
  • All-Time Series: Bearcats (5-1)

SMU should be able to stay within striking distance for the most part but I’m expecting the Bearcats to escape with a 30-26 win. Following a week off, Luke Fickell’s team should be well rested and ready to go. Fickell discussed the much-needed bye week in a recent press conference via Cincinnati Athletics.

"“Bye weeks are always unique. It’s not like you get healthy over a bye week but you do have a chance to get a bit healthier in some different ways. It was great for our players to get out of here on Friday and Saturday then get back in later on Sunday. I hope they took it advantage of it and it looks like they did. They came back with a little bit of freshness and ready to make a run at this thing. More than anything, your mind gets an opportunity to relax over the weekend. I think for us, it did come at a pretty good time. A time when a break was probably needed. There’s a momentum shift as you’re rolling through a season and there’s never an exact right time but I think it was good for us.”"