Cincinnati at Indiana - 9/18/21 College Football Picks and Prediction

Defensively, Cincinnati is holding their opponents to an average of 10.5 ppg on 260.0 total yards per game (129.0 passing yds/g; 131.0 rushing yds/g).

The Indiana Hoosiers improved to 1-1 on the season after defeating the Idaho Vandals, 56-14, this past Saturday. Indiana was strong out of the gates against an overmatched Idaho team and had no trouble securing the victory after an 81-yard punt return by a D.J. Matthews gave the Hoosiers a 35-0 lead with 1:49 left in the 1st half. Indiana outgained Idaho by a 338-261 margin and won the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Hoosiers was RB Stephen Carr who had 118 rushing yards & 1 TD on 22 carries.

On the season, Indiana is averaging 31.0 ppg on 285.5 total yards per game (157.5 rushing yds/g; 128.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Indiana is led by QB Michael Penix Jr. who has completed 53.2% of his passes for 224 yards, 2 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for Penix Jr. and the Hoosiers have been Ty Fryfogle (10 rec, 113 yards, TD), AJ Barner (1 rec, 76 yards, TD), Javon Swinton (3 rec, 33 yards, TD), & D.J. Matthews Jr. (6 rec, 30 yards). Leading the way for the Hoosiers backfield has been Stephen Carr who had 175 rushing yards & 1 TD on 41 carries.

Defensively, Indiana is allowing their opponents to average 24.0 ppg on 285.5 total yards per game (157.5 passing yds/g; 128.0 rushing yds/g).

The Bearcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. The Hoosiers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

Indiana is a tough place to play, however, the Hoosiers high-powered offense hasn’t looked too explosive so far this season and really struggled against a top-tier team in Iowa in their season-opening 34-6 defeat. Cincinnati is like Iowa as they have an outstanding defense, however, I think the Bearcats are even better as they have an offensive that has one of the better QB’s in the nation in Desmond Ridder and solid rushing attack led by Jerome Ford. Cincinnati in my opinion is the better team on both ends of the field and although I think Indiana will give them a fight early, I see the Bearcats pulling away in the 2nd half and covering this small road spread. Good Luck!