Belk Bowl Halftime Report

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville stands on the field prior to the start of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Bearcats are down 23-3 in the Belk Bowl to the North Carolina Tar Heels. It’s not looking good as Cincinnati has gotten manhandled on both sides of the football. Just based on the keys to the game, you can probably tell what’s not working for UC right now.

Protect Brendon Kay? Nope. He’s been sacked more today than any game all season long.
Don’t Get Exposed By Eric Ebron? No. He’s leading all UNC receivers with 39 receiving yards and caught a clutch pass on fourth down to keep a Tar Heel drive alive. North Carolina finished that drive with a touchdown.
Spy Marquise Williams? Hmm.. yes, Cincinnati’s kept the UNC dual-threat quarterback in check.
Play Keep Away With Ryan Switzer? Kinda.. sorta.. He’s been contained on offense but returned a punt deep into Cincinnati territory. UC was lucky it was called back on a penalty.
Establish The Running Game? LOLNO. Outside of the sacks, Brendon Kay is pacing Cincinnati in rushing yards. Ralph David Abernathy and Hosey Williams have combined for 19 yards on 6 carries.

So that’s three “no’s”, one “yes”, and one “eh, maybe”.

In short, Cincinnati’s offensive line hasn’t given Kay a lot of time but he himself needs to get rid of the football faster. Receivers are open, but the quarterback isn’t hitting them. The defense played better in the second half after getting gouged on the ground in the first 15 minutes. I don’t have many qualms with their play.