Cincinnati has built their foundation on defense as the Bearcats rank 4th in the nation in total defense.

SMU doesn't have have great depth, so I think that will be a factor today.

It's true SMU has won 15 straight games, but the last time the Mustangs lost, it was to Cincinnati. These teams split during the regular season. Sunday's championship game will be a defensive slugfest but the Bearcats are more physical and I expect them to get to the FT line more.

Look for Cincy to use their fierce defensive principles and grind out a win as an underdog here on Sunday.