Cincinnati Bearcats Vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Aloha stadium – Honolulu, hi
THURSDAY, Dec. 24, 2015; 8:00 p.m. EST
Line: San Diego State BY 1½
OVER/UNDER: 56.5
The San Diego Aztecs will be without their starting helmsman Maxwell Smith due a knee injury he sustained on November 30th. Their rushing game is averaging 235 yards and is the primary motor in the offense, however. Leading the Aztecs ground attack is junior running back Donnel Pumphrey This young flamboyant athlete is one of four players in the nation to lead his team in rushing yards and receptions, and is one of three players with 1,000-plus rushing yards and at least 375 receiving yards. His back up is just as good, Chris Price has accumulated 940 yards this season and is one of 10 players in FBS with at least 175 carries this year and 20 or less yards loss. San Diego’s offensive line is solid run blocking versus most defenses.
Defensively, the San Diego State Aztecs ranks among the FBS top 6 in 13 major statistical categories, including first in turnover margin (+1.46), second in turnovers forced (31) and passes intercepted (3), fifth in total defense (287.9), rushing defense (111.2) and passes intercepted (2).
Cincinnati’s starting quarterback Gunner Kiel will not make the trip to the Hawaii Bowl today. The junior signal caller is away from the team dealing with a personal issue. Backup helmsman Hayden Moore will make his third career start in the bowl game. He started at BYU and vs. Miami (Fla.). He split those 2 games. The Cincinnati Bearcats have a stable of 6 senior wide receivers. They have combined for nearly 700 catches, 10,000 yards receiving and 80 touchdowns.
Cincinnati’s defense is the major setback as they surrender 30 points a game along with 414 total yards. However, the statistic that will really hurt is the fact their run defense graciously allows 190 yards per encounter while allowing the runner to rush for 5 yards per carry.
Trends:
WHEN THE LINE IS +3 TO -3 SAN DIEGO IS 3 AND 0 ATS.
Selection: San Diego State -1.5
