The buzz: The Bearcats captured their first conference title since 2014 last season and were on the cusp of a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The defense, which was one of the best in the country in 2020, returns a bevy of talent, including DE Myjai Sanders and CB Ahmad Gardner.
The buzz: The Pirates return the most experience in the league with 10 returning starters on both sides of the football. The defense should improve from a unit that ranked No. 102 in the country in total defense thanks to the growth of LB Xavier Smith and CB Ja’Quan McMillian.