UNIVERSITY PARK -- If SMU's defense really has improved, now is the time to demonstrate it.
Saturday's game against Cincinnati at Gerald J. Ford Stadium opens a grueling stretch for the Mustangs' defense. Three of the next four opponents are ranked among the FBS-level top 40 in total offense.
Cincinnati (6-1, 2-1 AAC) is No. 36 at 445.4 yards per game, against a less than overwhelming group of opponents. That's a warm-up act for home dates with Houston, which is third at 555.3 yards, on Nov. 3 and Memphis, which is eighth at 522.6 yards, on Nov.