Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
Cincinnati returned the core of one of the Big East's best defenses and perhaps the nation's best ball-hawking unit. It looked like that side of the ball would be a major strength for the Bearcats this season.
That hasn't happened yet. Oklahoma dropped 52 points on Cincinnati in Week 2, which at least was somewhat understandable -- "I feel like Oklahoma has the best offense in the entire country," linebacker Andre Revels said.
But then last week, the defense had trouble stopping Miami of Ohio. Though the Bearcats allowed just 301 total yards, the RedHawks converted 11 of their 19 third downs.
"On third down, we have to be able to get off the field," head coach Brian Kelly said.
Last year, Cincinnati forced 42 turnovers, tied for most in the country. Through three games this year, it has only five, on a pace for 20.
"We have to make more plays," Revels said. "That's all it comes down to."
The Bearcats also had 41 sacks last year to just three this season, all by converted tight end Connor Barwin. Kelly said the other players up front need to get more pressure on the quarterback, like Angelo Craig and Anthony Hoke did for last season's team.
"It's not just the defensive ends, it's everyone up front that isn't bringing enough pressure and making it easier for the defensive backs to cover," linebacker Ryan Manalac said. "I don't know if it's so much of missing them, but a defensive presence in general."
The defense could get a test this week at Akron, which put up 42 points on Syracuse.
"We've put a lot of emphasis on third downs this week in practice," Revels said. "I think we'll come out and play much better against Akron."
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
