CINCINNATI — Beating Texas Tech gave Cincinnati something to build on. Now comes the harder part: carrying that performance through the final five games of the regular season. With Utah visiting Saturday and trips to Houston, Iowa State, and BYU still ahead, the Bearcats will need more than another good afternoon at Nippert Stadium.
These three players could have a large say in how that stretch unfolds.
JC French IV: Turn Production Into Consistency
French has thrown seven touchdown passes over his last two games, including a career-high four against Texas Tech. Through seven games, he has completed 69.4% of his passes for 1,510 yards, 13 touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding six rushing touchdowns.
The next step is sustaining that efficiency when Cincinnati cannot dictate the game on the ground. French gives the Bearcats another scoring option with his legs, but his decisions in the passing game will matter just as much. Cincinnati needs him to finish drives and protect possessions when opportunities become harder to find.
That said, so far so good for the transfer signal caller, but I also believe there's more there.
Cole Tabb: Keep the Running Game Dangerous
Tabb has produced 621 rushing yards on just 65 carries, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt. His 12 touchdowns, including three receiving scores, show how many ways he can hurt a defense.
His importance extends beyond those totals. A productive running game can keep Cincinnati out of obvious passing situations and make defenses account for more than French. Tabb will not average nearly 10 yards every time he touches the ball, but his ability to turn a routine carry into a long gain gives the Bearcats a way to change a game quickly.
Or turn the game into a slow plodder. I'm fine with either so long as the Bearcats win.
MJ Cannon: Give the Offense Another Chance
Cannon has collected 37 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles through seven games. Against Texas Tech, he forced a fumble and intercepted a pass, helping Cincinnati take possessions away from a dangerous offense.
Those opportunities become especially valuable against the remaining schedule. Cincinnati cannot count on winning a scoring contest every week. Cannon’s tackling and coverage will play a large role throughout any game, while another takeaway could provide the extra possession that separates a close loss from a big-time November win.
