CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bearcats have reached a difficult point in their season. After opening the year with four consecutive victories, Cincinnati has dropped two straight games, and its defense has become a growing concern.
The Bearcats surrendered 34 points in a loss to Arizona before allowing 45 against West Virginia on Saturday. That's 79 points in two games, and the schedule isn't about to offer Cincinnati any relief.
The next three opponents are all ranked in the AP Top 25: No. 8 Texas Tech, No. 10 Utah, and No. 14 Houston.
For a Cincinnati team hoping to remain competitive in the Big 12 race, the defense needs to improve quickly.
West Virginia Exposed the Problems
Saturday's 45-42 loss to West Virginia was particularly frustrating because the Bearcats had enough offense to win the game.
Cincinnati finished with 622 total yards, including 389 passing yards from JC French IV and 118 rushing yards from Cole Tabb. The Bearcats scored six touchdowns and held a seven-point lead with just over five minutes remaining.
But the defense couldn't finish the job.
West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. threw for 464 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Mountaineers finish with 598 total yards.
To Cincinnati's credit, its run defense played well. West Virginia entered the game averaging 295.5 rushing yards per contest, but the Bearcats limited the Mountaineers to 134. The problem was defending the pass, particularly when Cincinnati needed a stop.
After the Bearcats took a 42-35 lead late in the fourth quarter, West Virginia responded with a tying touchdown. Cincinnati then went three-and-out, giving the Mountaineers another opportunity.
Pinned deep in their own territory, West Virginia drove 82 yards in eight plays and won the game on Jack Cassidy's 35-yard field goal as time expired.
Cincinnati's offense had done more than enough to give the team a chance to win. The defense simply couldn't make the stops it needed when the game was on the line.
The Schedule Gets Much Tougher
Unfortunately for the Bearcats, their next three opponents present even greater challenges.
Texas Tech comes to Nippert Stadium on Saturday with an unbeaten record and the No. 8 ranking in the country. The Red Raiders have been one of the Big 12's best teams, combining a productive offense with a strong defense.
Cincinnati then hosts No. 10 Utah on October 31 before traveling to No. 14 Houston on November 7.
All three teams are legitimate conference contenders, and Cincinnati will need much better defensive performances to compete with them.
The Bearcats have shown they can score points, but relying on the offense to produce 40 or more every week isn't a sustainable approach.
Even an outstanding quarterback performance won't mean much if the defense continues allowing opponents to move the football with relative ease.
Time to Turn Things Around
Cincinnati's defense doesn't have to become the best in the Big 12 overnight. But it needs to start making more stops, especially in situations where the Bearcats have an opportunity to put games away.
The loss to West Virginia showed how quickly a strong offensive performance can be wasted when the defense can't protect a late lead.
The Bearcats demonstrated they can stop the run against West Virginia. Now they need to find a way to limit opposing quarterbacks and prevent the big passing plays that proved so costly Saturday.
With three ranked opponents approaching, Cincinnati has an opportunity to prove it can compete with the conference's best teams. But if the defensive problems continue, a season that began with four consecutive victories could take a difficult turn.
What's Next
Cincinnati hosts No. 8 Texas Tech on Saturday, October 24, at Nippert Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET as the Bearcats celebrate their 100th Homecoming game.
The matchup begins a three-game stretch against ranked opponents that could determine the direction of Cincinnati's season.
