This week SMU will face Cincinnati who won the conference championship last year. Reporter Baileigh Sheffield took some time to talk to Cincinnati expert Jason Stamm. "On defense, it's been the Ivan Pace show Don't be surprised to see him win a slew of post-season awards," Stamm said. "He's been a one-man wrecking crew in a lot of ways and single-handedly at times led the Bearcats' defense to some big stops." "Pace, who was the MAC defensive player of the year last season, has 63 tackles through six games, but an amazing 13.5 for loss to go with six sacks. His instinct for the ball is crazy and he only seems to have gotten better during the season."

"The other guy to really watch is up front, with freshman Dontay Corleone he's seen his playing time increase and he's consistently put up some big numbers on Pro Football Focus."

"Overall, this is a team that can put up yards and big plays in a hurry on offense. They've had quite a few big plays." "And on defense, it really revolves around Ivan Pace. I don't think he's had a bad game and he rarely has a bad play. He just reads offenses so well."

When asked about playmakers this was Stamm's response, "on offense, quarterback Ben Bryant has proven to be a solid, effective passer."

"He isn't very mobile, so unless he's really flushed out of the pocket, you won't see him scramble for more than a few yards. But he throws a good ball, with plenty of zip on it and good placement."

"Bryant has gotten better as the season has progressed. And he's got a good connection with his receivers, especially junior Tyler Scott, who went off for 185 yards against Indiana."

"Charles McClelland has also gained steam as Cincinnati's lead back, as he's got a burst of speed and done exceedingly well hitting the holes created for him," Stamm said.

Cincinnati will be joining the Big12 after this season so The Hilltopics took a dive into what fans are feeling.

"There's been a ton of excitement since the Big 12 announced last year it was adding the Bearcats." "This will finally give Cincinnati the publicity and attention it needs to have a better road to the College Football Playoff."

"As far as this weekend, Cincinnati is coming off a bye, so it's more rested. I know USF kept it close, but the Bearcats have gotten better in a lot of areas, as I've mentioned. SMU has just been so up and down on the other hand." I" do think this one will stay close. Both teams have good offenses." " But the Bearcats have proven to have a better defense do far and that's the big difference.

"The Mustangs will put up some points, but Cincinnati will make stops. I'm taking the Bearcats, 38-24."