CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bearcats have established themselves as one of the Big 12's most productive rushing teams this season, but their success on the ground has also created a problem. Opposing defenses are increasingly concentrating on stopping the run, daring Cincinnati to beat them through the air.

Quarterback JC French IV knows the Bearcats need to respond, particularly after their offense struggled in a 34-7 loss to Arizona on October 3. Speaking with reporters Tuesday, French acknowledged that defenses are adjusting to Cincinnati's rushing attack and that the passing game must become a more reliable part of the offense.

“Teams are going to try to stop our run first, and that's going to come with them loading the box and sending pressure,” French said.

The fifth-year quarterback emphasized the importance of recognizing defensive alignments before the snap and adjusting accordingly. With the Bearcats returning from their bye week to face West Virginia on Saturday, improving that recognition has been a big part of their game prep.

The Passing Game Needs to Respond

Cincinnati is averaging 230.8 rushing yards per game, ranking among the nation's most productive ground attacks. However, Arizona demonstrated how quickly the Bearcats' offense can struggle when an opponent successfully limits that production.

The Wildcats held Cincinnati to just 74 rushing yards, forcing French and the passing game to shoulder more responsibility. Unfortunately, the results weren't much better through the air, as French completed 16 of 29 passes for 153 yards without a touchdown. Cincinnati finished with just seven points, scoring its only touchdown in the closing minutes of the game.

The performance was a setback for an offense that had averaged more than 40 points through its first four games. French acknowledged that Cincinnati cannot continue depending so heavily on its rushing attack, particularly when opponents are committing additional defenders to stopping it.

“We can't just be so lenient on the run game. We have to open the pass, and that starts with the quarterback,” French said.

The numbers suggest Cincinnati has enough passing talent to make the adjustment. Through five games, French has completed 86 of 123 passes for 949 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. His 69.9% completion rate shows that he can be efficient.

Against Miami (Ohio), French threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating that the Bearcats are capable of moving the football through the air when necessary. The challenge now is finding that production consistently, particularly against defenses determined to limit Cincinnati's rushing attack.

West Virginia Offers an Opportunity

Saturday's matchup presents an opportunity for Cincinnati to make those adjustments against a struggling West Virginia defense. The Mountaineers are allowing 460.8 total yards per game, including 297 passing yards, and have surrendered at least 41 points in each of their three Big 12 games.

Those numbers suggest Cincinnati should have opportunities to generate offense, particularly if West Virginia commits additional defenders to stopping the run. However, the Bearcats will need to recognize those defensive adjustments and take advantage of favorable matchups rather than continuing to run into crowded defensive fronts.

French believes the offense is capable of producing more than it showed against Arizona, but he also understands that Cincinnati cannot expect its running backs to solve every problem. The Bearcats have had an additional week to study their mistakes, evaluate their tendencies, and prepare for what West Virginia might throw at them.

Saturday will provide a chance to demonstrate whether those adjustments have made a difference. Cincinnati visits West Virginia at noon ET, with the game televised on TNT.