Cincy on the Prowl
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Cincinnati Football’s Seven Most Important Games of 2016

By Bearcat Jones

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Aug 31, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats safety Adrian Witty (8) runs a 41 yard interception return past Purdue Boilermakers tight end Justin Sinz (84) Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati won 42-7. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats safety Adrian Witty (8) runs a 41 yard interception return past Purdue Boilermakers tight end Justin Sinz (84) Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati won 42-7. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Purdue (Sept. 10, Week 2)

You might be surprised to see the Purdue game make the list, but hear me out.  Three of the Bearcats’ conference games in The American (UConn, UCF, and Tulsa) should be wins.  Could UC slip up in one of those games?  Sure.  But if that happens, it’s not only totally unacceptable, but probably ruins UC’s conference title hopes.  It just can’t happen.  UConn, UCF, and Tulsa were three of the nation’s worst last year in the FBS.  UCF was, in fact the worst, going 0-12.

The Purdue game is more important than any of those games, because it’s the first time we’re going to see the Bearcats go against real competition (UT-Martin doesn’t really count).  Not only that, but it will be the first real test for whoever winds up winning the QB competition to see if they can lead the offense and avoid the dreaded turnover.  It’s also UC’s last chance to sharpen up before a showdown with Houston the following week.

And you may think that it’s “just Purdue,” who finished last year at a dismal 2-10, but ESPN’s Football Power Index actually has the Boilers as favorites.  Yep, you read that correctly.  Beating a Big Ten team on the road early in the season would be huge for momentum, even if it is “just Purdue.”  The last time the Bearcats hit the road for an early season tilt against a bottom tier Big Ten program, they got their asses kicked by Illinois and lost starting QB Muchie LeGaux for the year.  Not an ideal way to start the year.  A victory in West Lafayette with a turnover-free performance from the offense has the potential to set the tone for the season.

Next: #6 Most Important Game