Collaborative Predictions for Cincinnati v. Miami Game
The Battle for the Victory Bell will take place this weekend. Despite a 9-year win streak for Cincinnati, Miami leads the series 59–53–7. Some (Paul Daughtery) are calling for an end to the rivalry and seem to fault UC for continuing the tradition. I think he is wrong as usual. Rivalry games are important in college football. We no longer have the Keg of Nails game each year because Louisville has done to us what Daughtery would have us to do to Miami. Sure, if I had to choose which game to cut between the Keg of Nails, River City Rivalry, and the Victory Bell then it would be the Victory Bell. Since UC does not have the luxury of multiple rivalry games so we better get all of our rival energy out in this one. Here is how your Cincy of the Prowl writers think it will go:
Chris Bains
During the Tommy Tuberville era UC has averaged a margin of victory of 10.5 points, whereas it was 36 and 29 under the previous two regimes. Some of that has to do with the short-lived change of offensive scheme, like in 2013, as well as one of the worst defense in the history of UC defenses, like last year. This season’s version of the Bearcats has every bit the talent to wallop the Redhawks like they did in the six years prior to Tuberville taking over as head coach. Plus the fact that they’re probably pissed off having been embarrassed by Temple at home will add more fire to their bellies. Cincinnati wins by many, many touchdowns.
Chris Bains Prediction: Cincinnati: 45, Miami U: 17
Ben Levin
As I mentioned in this week’s What to Watch For segment, Miami was throttled 59-0 last week, and rushed for a collar-popping -3 yards. Even if UC has more trouble controlling the ball this week, they will run away and hide from another Redhawks team that has again put a Band-Aid on their quarterback situation. As is tradition in Oxford, Miami is starting another career backup senior (former LaSalle Lancer Drew Kummer) under center – he was yanked after going 6-of-14 with an INT against Wisconsin. UC ran up and down the field on the vaunted Tample defense last week, so this will be like taking candy from a baby. There just isn’t any matchup on the field that the Bearcats should lose – even if the much maligned “young guys” continue to play on special teams. Don’t take the bell off the bus – the ‘Cats will complete a decade-long sweep.
Ben Levin Prediction: UC 49, Miami U. 6.
Travis Holmes
I hope we end up talking about Tion Green bruising Miami for 130 yards on 18 carries. I hope we talk about how Mike Boone’s 80 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns were a great change of pace. I hope we talk about how Hosey Williams running through huge holes for 62 yards on 8 carries broke Miami’s back. I want to see Cincinnati with over 35:00 time of possession. I want to see the Bearcats play physical football from start to finish and impose their will on Miami.
What I think will happen is Eddie Gran will get “creative” and Gunner Kiel will throw 35 passes and UC will score a lot of points. On its surface that’s a good thing but that style is not the key to Cincinnati’s long term success.
I do expect the special teams to play better and a lot of bell ringing will be heard in Clifton Saturday night.
Travis Holmes Prediction: Bearcats 34, RedHawks 11
Mike Jorgensen
I hate to be the cynic, but Tuberville has struggled against mightily against Miami University. The team looked awful last week, if they don’t bounce back immediately then this could be a real struggle. I expect the offense to come off hot and cool down quickly (as is the Eddie Gran trend especially in the 3rd quarter). Gunner will be back on his game, who knows what the WRs will do, and I’d like to see Mike Boone run for 200 yards. I think the defense will have a pretty solid performance unless they keep getting slapped with sudden change scenarios courtesy of offensive and special teams. I believe Cincinnati will continue extend this series-long win streak, but it won’t be a pretty game.
Mike Jorgensen Prediction: Cincinnati 24, Miami 13
There you have it, unanimous picks for a Cincinnati win (big surprise). Let’s hope the team can live up to our hype and keep Miami’s trophy case looking dusty for another year.