Indiana football vs. Cincinnati: Three bold predictions against Bearcats

Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) looks for an open teammate over Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back B.J. Wagner (40) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Hoosiers won 33 to 30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) looks for an open teammate over Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back B.J. Wagner (40) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Hoosiers won 33 to 30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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Indiana football
Indiana football linebacker, Dasan McCullough (0)

#2. Dasan McCullough shows up in a big time way with two sacks and one tackle for loss

Last game, McCullough finished with three total tackles, one sack, and a tackle for loss. While the freshman made some plays early, he happened to disappear as the game went on, just like the Indiana defense did. The talented freshman already has totaled 3.0 sacks (first on team) on the season and 3.5 tackles for loss (2nd on team). As of right now, McCullough is on pace for 12.0 sacks on the season, which would be the most by an IU defender since Greg Middleton recorded 16.0 sacks in 2007.

In the games against Arkansas in Week 1 and Miami (OH) in Week 3, the Bearcats offensive line allowed 3.0 total sacks to each of those defenses. The Hoosiers and McCullough are a bit better than both of those defenses with QB pressure, so it’s not crazy to think McCullough makes an immediate impact with 2.0 sacks and at least 1.0 tackle for loss.