Key player: Two runners eclipse 100 yards rushing, but guard Derrick Johnson is the principal path-clearer. The Mustangs run at will straight through the center of the Bearcats defense, with Johnson leading the way.

The skinny: It's one of the best performances for the team since its 2021 national title year as David Miller, moving up to starting tailback after Bobby Martin's early departure to the NFL, goes for 143 rushing yards. Freshman fullback Tyler Lane busts inside for 109 yards. ... The wrinkle is that the pass defense, which was 83rd in the nation last season, gives up 300 yards to the Bearcats' spread. Coach Nibble blitzes sparingly, which might change in the future against the better opposing lines. ... DEs Travis Freeman and Josh Johnson, and DT Dallas Baker get sacks.