CINCINNATI — I’m not sure there is much better than watching UC destroy someone under the lights at historic Nippert Stadium while wearing all-black uniforms. Good times.

Let’s take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly from the Bearcats’ 62-10 victory over the Catamounts.

The Good: Cincinnati’s Running Game

The Bearcats ran over, around and through Western Carolina for 418 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while averaging more than eight yards per carry. They accumulated 690 total yards, recorded 32 first downs and converted eight of their 11 third-down attempts.

Gi’Bran Payne led the rushing attack with 102 yards and two touchdowns on only 12 carries. Cole Tabb and Zaylan Perry each broke free for 40-yard scores, while Zion Johnson, Liam O’Brien and Samaj Jones also reached the end zone.

That performance came one week after Cincinnati rushed for 254 yards during its 34-15 victory over Boston College. Through two games, the Bearcats have accumulated 672 yards on the ground.

Yes, the level of competition must be considered—especially this week—but if Cincinnati can run the ball consistently, French doesn’t have to play Superman. He can distribute the ball, make smart decisions and allow the offense to come to him.

The Bad: Penalties

It may sound overly critical to complain about anything following a 52-point victory, but Cincinnati’s penalties are an issue that needs to be addressed.

The Bearcats committed 11 infractions for 105 yards. Yikes.

Those mistakes didn’t matter against an opponent Cincinnati outgained by 449 yards. They will matter against a Big 12 schedule.

Giving away more than a football field’s worth of free yardage is the kind of self-inflicted damage that can stall drives, extend opposing possessions and turn a close conference game into a loss. Cincinnati was talented enough to overcome its mistakes Saturday, but that won’t always be the case.

A 62-10 victory provides plenty to celebrate. Eleven penalties still provide plenty to correct.

The Ugly: FBS vs. FCS Matchups

Almost every major FBS program schedules an FCS opponent at some point. These games allow the larger programs to work through problems, develop younger players and, barring a monumental upset, add a victory to the schedule. They also provide FCS programs with a substantial payday that can help support their athletic departments.

We understand why these games exist, but that doesn’t make them always enjoyable to watch.

The talent discrepancy between the two divisions can be enormous. One team is often bigger, faster, deeper and considerably more talented at nearly every position. At times, it can become downright cringe-worthy watching the lesser team get physically abused for four quarters.

It’s, well, ugly.

Unless, of course, UC is wearing all-black uniforms under the lights at historic Nippert Stadium. Then it’s pretty awesome.