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I analyzed the Redhawks pretty thoroughly a couple of days ago but they should be the most familiar of foes for Cincinnati Bearcats fans. The Battle for the Victory Bell has been played over a hundred times between the two rivals so both teams and fanbases are used to each other. But as I also mentioned this rivalry is beginning to swing heavily in Cincinnati’s favor for the primary reason that UC is in an AQ conference and Miami isn’t. The gap in money, facilities, coaches, and talent between AQ and non-AQ schools is large and only getting wider. This is especially true for Cincinnati from a talent standpoint as we’ve seen Coach Jones continue to pull in better and better recruiting classes. So while the Bearcats are going for their sixth win in a row over the Redhawks, that streak could easily blossom to 15 or 16 over the next decade because of this disparity.
So when looking at Cincinnati and what they must do to come out with a win, it really comes down to this – Just keep doing what they’ve been doing because it’s flat out worked:
- Own the Trenches – Both offensive and defense units have been playing well the past couple of weeks and it’s because the lines have dominated their opponents. I’m in the camp that games are won and lost in the trenches and the Bearcats are proving that this idiom is very true.
- Isaiah Pead – Don’t stop getting the football in his hands. I mean it. He should be involved in 2/3rds of all offensive plays. Everyone knows how good he is in almost all facets of the offense and should roll in this game.
- Blitz like Their Lives Depend on it – The Redhawks have one solid starter on the offensive line. UC’s D-Line should own them throughout the course of the game but for good measure the Bearcats should send some blitzes to keep quarterback Zac Dysert off balanced.
- Contain Dysert – I compared Dysert as a poor man’s Tyler Bray. He’s a very solid signal caller with full command of his offense. He can make plays with both his arm and legs. He won’t have much of a running game to rely on so expect him to scramble for a few yards if things breakdown.
- Lockdown Harwell, Givens – These are the Redhawks’ primary receiving threats and both are quite good. I fully expect the defense to double team either of these players throughout the game and force Dysert to go to the less talented receivers on the roster. This should work well in the Bearcats’ favor.
To the BEast Games – No byes this week
South Florida vs. Pitt – The first conference game of the season should be a good one and possibly a trap for the Bulls. They haven’t faired too well on Thursday nights or against Pitt. Could be a fun one tonight as the Panthers played very well against Notre Dame last Saturday. South Florida – 27, Pitt 24
Rutgers vs. Syracuse – The Orange are by far the luckiest team in the country coming into this weekend. But their luck runs out against a Rutgers team that is very much improved from last season. Rutgers – 31, Syracuse – 21
UConn vs. Western Michigan – The Huskies looked better last week but Western Michigan is no Buffalo. The Broncos went punch-for-punch with Michigan a few weeks ago and also obliterated Central Michigan. They’re a very good MAC team this year. Still, I think UConn somehow pulls it out. UConn – 20, Western Michigan – 17
Louisville vs. Marshall – Teddy Bridgewater should start this game and if he performs like he did against Kentucky two weeks ago, the Cardinals should role in this game. Louisville – 33, Marshall – 14
West Virginia vs. Bowling Green – The Mountaineers look a blow last week against LSU but the loss is nothing to be worried about. The offense is still extremely dangerous and the defense is always stout. The Falcons don’t stand a chance. West Virginia – 41, Bowling Green – 13