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Cincinnati will come into this game with the same mindset they had last week just before Syracuse. Like I mentioned in my overview of UConn, they play a very similar style of football on both offense and defense. The only difference between them and the Orange is that the Huskies do both a lot better. With that being said, you should notice that for the most part the 5 keys to this game for a Cincinnati victory will be much the same as they were last week:
1. Again, Better Gap Control: I’ve said this the past two weeks and it’s even more imperative this Saturday against the Huskies. Cincinnati has historically gotten pushed around by the mammoths that play on the offensive line for UConn. But the Bearcats have the defensive line this year to do a little pushing of their own. But the major problem with the rush defense against Rutgers and Syracuse is that the linebackers aren’t filling the gaps that the DL is providing. This didn’t improve against the Orange but it absolutely has to get better against the Huskies.
2. Hold the Edge: Alex Hoffman and Eric Lefeld will again be responsible for the outside of Cincinnati’s offensive line on Saturday. The problem is that Hoffman is banged up and Lefeld is still adjusting to playing college ball. Things don’t get any easier this week with Big East sacks leader Trevardo Williams coming to town. Both of UC’s offensive tackles had trouble containing West Virginia’s defensive ends a couple of weeks ago and it really slowed down the offense. Hoffman/Lefeld will need to step up against UConn.
3. Stop Lyle McCombs: The Huskies over the years have had a slew of good running backs come through Storrs. True freshman Lyle McCombs has done a great job filling the shoes left by Jordan Todman when he was drafted last April. Like Syracuse, if Cincinnati can contain him it would go along way to shutting down the Huskies offense as they are very inexperienced at quarterback with few playmakers on the outside.
4. Let It Ride!: One thing I’ve noticed with this coaching staff this season is their tendency to out-think themselves when creating an offensive gameplan. Against NC State, the Bearcats confused the Wolfpack with the successful Heavy Packages and Wildcat formations. They worked well but we have barely seen them since. In the Syracuse game last week, Cincinnati had a solid gameplan of bringing in Jordan Luallen for zone-read plays and the Orange was gashed on nearly everyone one of them. The coaches also emphasized putting the ball in Pead’s hands whether it be running, receiving, or returning, and he had a career day. This coaching staff needs to keep the same gameplan as last week because of the simple reason that it worked!
5. Attack the Secondary: UConn gives up yards in bunches through the air and is 117th in the country against the pass. Opposing coaches have figured out that throwing on the Huskies is usually a recipe for success. Now, Munchie Legaux doesn’t have the best accuracy dropping bombs deep down the field but Cincinnati can attack them on plays other than seams, posts, or flags. Slip or tunnel screens to Isaiah Pead should work like it did last week against the Orange and Legaux showed great mechanics and footwork on the short-to-midrange passes. It’s also helped that his receivers have caught said passes.
Big East Games – Louisville and Rutgers are done.
West Virginia vs. South Florida: This game will have a similar feeling as the one between UC and UConn as West Virginia will go to the Orange Bowl with a win and the Bulls are very likely bowling if they pull this one out. Unfortunately, the Mountaineers have favorable matchups in every position group except USF’s DL vs. WVU’s OL. I don’t think it’s enough to slow down an extremely determined Mountaineer squad. It’s unfortunate for Bearcats fans, but WVU wins this one. West Virginia 33, South Florida 13
Pitt vs. Syracuse: Also holding postseason implications, the winner of this game will be playing in a bowl game later this month and the loser will have to start 2012 early. The Orange got pasted by Cincinnati last week and have been reeling throughout most of Big East play. The Panthers are also trying to recover from Tino Sunseri continuing to kick his team in the crotch. When it comes down to it, the better team will win on Saturday, and that’s Pittsburgh. Pitt 28, Syracuse 20