5 Keys to Cincinnati vs Pitt, Big East Week 2 Predictions
By Chris Bains
Football season finally begins for the Bearcats. I’ll make this introduction short and sweet because the offseason has been long enough as is. Below are some keys to the game along with predictions for the other Big East games this weekend.
1) Pressure Early and Often: It’s been well documented that Pitt has had a laundry list of issues along their offensive line. Be they injuries or suspensions new head coach Paul Chryst has had a whale of a time putting the pieces together. On top of that, Tino Sunseri has a history of being easily rattled in the pocket in pressure situations. These are clearly good things for the Cincinnati Bearcats. So the onus will be on Walter Stewart and co. to get in the backfield even if they don’t make a play on the ball carrier. Just the fact that they prove to Pitt’s offensive line that they won’t be easily stopped will pay dividends when the Panther blockers are mentally and physically drained in the 4th quarter. And if Walt flattens Sunseri a few times, that would obviously be a welcomed sight.
2) Gap Control: It’s a simple concept but difficult to execute. If everyone is doing their job, generally the defensive line will have a hat on a hat and the linebackers will cover the openings in the offensive line. If one or two defenders are out of position there are gaping holes for the runningback to run through (see: UC v. Akron, 2011). Despite the loss Pitt ran pretty well against Youngstown State as it appears Ray Graham is near 100% healthy. He and Isaac Bennett could have a field day against an inexperienced interior of the Bearcats defense. The name of the game here is for guys like Jordan Stepp and Nick Temple, as examples, to understand their assignments and not overrun the play. Contain, contain, contain.
3) Good Secondary Play: All the hype around Paul Chryst’s offense was that he was going to pound the rock until the defense submitted. But many people overlook the fact that Pitt returns a slew of talented targets for Tino Sunseri to throw to. Receivers Devin Street (754 yds, 2 TDs in 2011), Mike Shanahan (493 yds, 4 TDs), and tight end Hubie Graham (325 yds, 3 TDs) are all back. These three are not only good pass catchers but are extremely tall and can create mismatches down in the redzone on jumpballs. Sunseri had a nice rhythm going with these guys against Youngstown State and let’s hope the Cincinnati secondary doesn’t keep that going.
4) Get Munchie into a Rhythm: Pitt did not record a sack on YSU quarterback Karl Hess and that went a long way to the Panthers dropping the game to the Penguins. A big part of winning Thursday night is the offensive line making sure Munchie stays upright and, even more so, gets into an offensive flow. He’s built up loads of confidence and respect this offseason. He is the catalyst of the UC offense because of what he can do with his legs which will allow things to open up for him to attack the defense with his arm. Those dual-threat abilities will be the difference between the Bearcats scoring touchdowns at will and playing in quick sand. But part of that will be determined by the ability of the receivers to…
5) Catch the Ball: This should be an apparent key to the game for any of you who threw their remote through the television watching Cincinnati’s receivers whiff on a passes thrown right at their hands. Munchie is still a developing passer and didn’t get a ton of help last year from his receiving corps, especially against Rutgers when the Bearcats put up an embarrassing 3 points. There is a lot to get excited about from Kenbrell Thompkins, Anthony McClung, and Alex Chisum but this unit had a major case of the butterfingers in 2011. Proving they have improved in this department will go a long way to instilling confidence in this offense.
Big East Games – 2012 Record: 6 – 1 (85.7%) – Gee, thanks Pittsburgh!
UConn vs. NC State: The Huskies had about a good an opening game as any team in college football. The Wolfpack look to be heading in the wrong direction despite talent all over the football team. UConn may very well have the best front 7 in the Big East and I think they rattle Mike Glennon in this game especially in front of a home crowd, further pushing Tom O’Brien to the unemployment line. UConn 24, NC State 14
Temple vs. Maryland: Temple looked about as good as they could have in their home opener against the Villanova Wildcats and Maryland probably couldn’t have looked any worse. Sure both teams won their games but it took Maryland until the 4th quarter to even score on their FCS opponent William & Mary. The Terps under Randy Edsall clearly haven’t figured everything out and the Owls will take advantage of it. Temple 31, Maryland 13
Louisville vs. Missouri State: The Cardinals strolled to a Governor’s Cup victory over their cross-state rivals. The Big East favorites appear to be living up the hype thus far and should roll FCS Missouri State this Saturday. There really isn’t much more to say. Louisville 48, Missouri State 6
Rutgers vs. Howard: Rutgers looked uninspired playing on the road against Tulane despite the victory. Howard will be less of a test for the Scarlet Knights who will probably test more things out on that offense. Those tests will hopefully be of the ‘throw it deep’ variety which will result in quick scores. Rutgers rolls. Rutgers 52, Howard 10
Syracuse vs. USC: The Orange are going to get murdered in this game. Consider this. Syracuse is playing the #1 team in the nation which boasts future NFL picks at receiver and likely Heisman Trophy winner Matt Barkley at quarterback. SU did display a more prolific offense in their first game against Northwestern and Ryan Nassib played very well. But this is David vs. Goliath. After years of postseason suspension, expect the Trojans to take their frustration out on their opponents on the 2012 schedule. Next up the Orange. USC 45, Syracuse 27
South Florida at Nevada: This could be a tricky one for the Bulls. Nevada is no slouch in the Mountain West and with teams like TCU, Boise State, and Utah gone to BCS conferences might be considered the premier team of the non-AQ’s. They had a down year in 2011 but Chris Ault has built a Pistol-led offensive monster in Reno. B.J. Daniels was ‘Okay’ against Chattanooga this Saturday but will have to play much better to beat the Wolfpack. I could see this game going either way depending upon the performance of Daniels but I’ll give the nod to the Bulls by the slimmest of margins. South Florida 28, Nevada 27