CINCINNATI — One week after knocking off a top-10 foe in No. 8 Texas Tech, the Cincinnati Bearcats will have an opportunity to do it again Saturday afternoon when undefeated No. 6 Utah visits Nippert Stadium. A victory would make Cincinnati the first unranked Big 12 team to defeat AP Top 10 opponents in consecutive weeks.

The Bearcats (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) are coming off an impressive 37-24 victory over Texas Tech, a game in which Cincinnati rushed for more than 250 yards against one of the nation's best run defenses. Utah (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) arrives following a 21-13 victory over then-No. 14 Houston and has won 13 consecutive games dating back to last season.

Saturday's matchup features two productive offenses, with Cincinnati averaging 455.3 total yards per game and Utah producing 478.4. Both teams feature strong running games, although their quarterbacks are also capable of making plays through the air and on the ground.

Cole Tabb leads Cincinnati's rushing attack, averaging 9.6 yards per carry with 12 total touchdowns. He rushed for a career-high 173 yards against Texas Tech, while quarterback JC French IV threw four touchdown passes in the victory. French has thrown seven touchdowns over his last two games and has also scored six times on the ground this season.

The Utes rank eighth nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 88.3 yards per game, while giving up only 14.6 points per contest. Quarterback Devon Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker lead a Utah offense that averages 37.4 points per game.

Cincinnati's defense played an important role against Texas Tech, forcing three turnovers, recording four sacks, and holding the Red Raiders to just three third-down conversions in 15 attempts. Safety MJ Cannon earned Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors when he posted an interception and forced fumble.

The Bearcats will need another big defensive effort against Utah, especially containing Dampier, who rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns against Houston. 

The two programs have met once before, with Utah winning 45-14 in Salt Lake City last season. This time, Cincinnati will have the advantage of playing at Nippert Stadium, where the Bearcats are undefeated this year and have won six of their last nine meetings with ranked opponents.

Game Information

Prediction

Utah's defense and unbeaten record make for a difficult opponent, but Cincinnati has already shown what they can do at home against good teams. The Bearcats' running game, French's passing, and the home-field advantage should keep this close. I expect Cincinnati to pull off another upset, winning on a late field goal, and once again shocking the college football world.

Cincinnati 27, Utah 24