Cincy got 3 more pics today and a fumble recovery....without turning it over themselves. That's a +13 turnover record in 3 games...









Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly came out of the 34-3 stunner over Oregon State believing his defense is "top-25 caliber." After six picks against the Beavers, the Bearcats defense is more than halfway to its 2006 total of 14, and Cincinnati has 10 games to play.

"I was a lot like everybody else," Kelly said. "I wasn't sure where we were."

Kelly expected his defense to be ahead of his offense. Former coach Mark Dantonio left behind eight returning starters. But it's clear that the Bearcats have taken to Kelly's scheme. Corners DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens have two interceptions apiece. So does free safety Haruki Nakamura.

'07 Passes Intercepted

Team
Ints.

1. Boston College
9

2. Cincinnati
8

3. LSU
7

4. TCU
6

4. Louisiana Tech
6


They have benefited, Kelly said, from playing more zone coverage and less man-up pressure.

"We're giving our corners an opportunity to see the ball," Kelly said. "… Defensively, Mark left me a pretty good hand. I'm just playing that hand a little bit differently. Mark played a lot more coverages where the corner's back was to the quarterback. We get the defensive backs over the top, where they can see the quarterback and get a bead on the [ball]."

When their opponents have thrown the ball, the Bearcats have been there to make them pay. They have eight interceptions already, leading to a plus-9 turnover margin, which ranks No. 1 in the country.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley, after watching video of the game, praised Cincinnati for playing "smart, fast and with intensity." While he spread blame throughout his offense, Riley said his young quarterbacks Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao (three picks each) walked right into the traps that the Bearcats laid for them.