Cincinnati Football: Predicting every game on the Bearcats schedule

The Bearcats kick off the season on Saturday afternoon against Arkansas with an opportunity to pull off a significant upset and build momentum prior to conference play. Here are predictions for every game on Cincinnati’s regular season schedule.

Cincinnati Football: Predicting every game on the Bearcats schedule

Week 1 at Arkansas Razorbacks

Most sports books have Arkansas as 6-point favorites but the Bearcats should be able to keep up. Even though I think it will be a close game into the second half, I’m expecting the Razorbacks to survive 30-24.

Week 2 vs Kennesaw State Owls

A week later, the Bearcats will face Kennesaw State in the home opener. No matter what happens at Arkansas, Luke Fickell’s team should be able to show off the depth and blow past the Owls by double digits.

Week 3 vs Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

Cincinnati has a chance to extend its 15-game win streak over the rival RedHawks. Miami drastically improved and reached a bowl game last season but it’s hard to imagine the Bearcats streak will come to an end.

Week 4 vs Indiana Hoosiers

The Bearcats are set to host Indiana to wrap up non-conference play. Connor Bazelak and Shaun Shivers create an intriguing duo for the Hoosiers but I think Cincinnati should be able to protect home field.

Week 5 at Tulsa Golden Hurricane

After three straight home games, the Bearcats will hit the road to Tulsa. Davis Brin returns at quarterback for the Golden Hurricane and this could very well be a trap game but I think Cincinnati escapes with a win.

Week 6 vs South Florida Bulls

Jeff Scott is 3-18 in his first two seasons at South Florida including a pair of blowout losses to Cincinnati. Even with the addition of quarterback Gerry Bohannon, I don’t think the Bulls have enough to win at Nippert.

Week 8 at SMU Mustangs

Following a bye week, the Bearcats return to the field in Dallas. This is definitely the most difficult stretch during the regular season with road games at SMU and UCF. My prediction is the Bearcats win by a late field goal.

Week 9 at UCF Knights

The most likely scenario seems like Cincinnati will split the road trips so I’ll tentatively pick UCF to take down the Bearcats at home in late October. It’s homecoming for the Knights and should be a packed house in Orlando.

Week 10 vs Navy Midshipmen

If my predictions are accurate, the Bearcats will enter November with one conference loss. The defense will have to contain Navy’s rushing attack but this matchup should be a good way to get back on track or rest starters.

Week 11 vs East Carolina Pirates

It was recently announced the Bearcats will host East Carolina for Nippert at Night in November. I think the Pirates are a dark horse contender in the AAC but Cincinnati should be able to stay unbeaten at home.

Week 12 at Temple Owls

After being a competitive opponent for several years, Temple has gone 4-15 in the last two years and hired a new head coach. Even if it was a good decision, this team shouldn’t be able to hang with the Bearcats in 2022.

Week 13 vs Tulane Green Wave

If the regular season goes as planned, the Bearcats will be hoping to clinch home field in the AAC championship against Tulane. It’s far from a sure thing but I’m predicting Cincinnati will find a way to hold on for a win.

My predictions have the Bearcats finishing the regular season 10-2 and 7-1 in the AAC with losses at Arkansas and UCF. A third straight conference championship berth is certainly a possibility with that record but a few matchups will make it an interesting campaign.