5 reasons why Deion Sanders' Colorado may lose against Cincinnati in Week 9

The Colorado Buffaloes are a game from bowl eligibility at 5-2. They're a 6.5-point home favorite on Saturday, but the 5-2 Cincinnati Bearcats would love to spoil the party for the Buffs. UC was lightly regarded in the preseason but has snuck up on several opponents this fall.

Here are five reasons the Bearcats could take down Deion and Colorado.

5 reasons why Colorado may lose to Cincinnati

Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby will seek an upset win over Colorado. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

5. Cincinnati is remarkably consistent on the ground.

UC is as steady as possible in the ground game. UC has rushed 32-38 times in every game this season. They've topped 129 yards in every game but one and have never failed to register at least 3.91 yards per carry.

Meanwhile, Colorado's two losses are the two games in which they gave up the most yards per carry. They're also 1-2 in games in which they give up at least two rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is 4-0 in games in which they have scored at least two rushing touchdowns.

4. Cincinnati knows how to bend but not break

Of the teams in the Big 12, nobody is better at turning teams away from the red zone without TDs than Cincinnati. Of the 19 times opposing teams have reached the red zone, just eight (42.1%) of those possessions have ended in touchdowns. Meanwhile, an equal eight have ended in field goals. If UC can hold Colorado to threes instead of sevens, that could be pivotal to their upset plans.

3. Colorado is vulnerable to negative plays and Cincinnati is good at making them

While the Buffaloes lead the Big 12 in tackles for loss, they are also next to worst in allowing tackles for loss. The 25 sacks allowed by Colorado are the worst in the league. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is pretty solid at racking up TFLs, currently 4th in the league in tackles for loss and 3rd in sacks. All those negative plays could add up.

2. UC can control the clock

Cincinnati is second in the Big 12 in time of possession and does a good job of controlling the pace of its games. Meanwhile, Colorado has the third shortest time of possession and prefers quick strike attacks. Cincinnati's ability to grind out lengthy possessions will give the Bearcats control of the clock and then the game.

1. Brendan Sorsby can match plays with Shedeur Sanders

Colorado's big advantage over many teams is at QB with Shedeur Sanders reigning as a standout passer. But UC QB Brendan Sorsby has relatively similar stats.

Sanders and Sorsby are the top two QB-rating passers in the Big 12. While Sanders has a slight edge in completion percentage, yards per attempt (just 0.1 yards more) and touchdown frequency, Sorsby has thrown fewer picks.

Sorsby also has run 96 yards and six touchdowns. Shedeur is at -19 yards and two touchdowns. While nobody is saying Sorsby is as good as Shedeur, there's not a significant dropoff in quality between them.

What do you think of UC's chances to upset Colorado? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!