Cincinnati Football: Week 2 preview, odds, predictions vs Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-1)

• Date: Saturday, September 10 at 3:30 PM
• Location: Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati
• Pregame Spread: Cincinnati (-28.5)
• TV Broadcast: ESPN+ and fuboTV

The Cincinnati Bearcats host Kennesaw State in the home opener on Saturday afternoon with a chance to rebound from the narrow loss at Arkansas. Make sure to read our game preview with odds, predictions and more for the Week 2 matchup!

Kennesaw State at Cincinnati preview

Shutting down a triple option offense means the defensive front will get a lot of attention against Kennesaw State. One of the bright spots from the loss last week was the defensive line’s depth, which will have to be on display this Saturday as well.

Every true triple option needs a difference maker in the backfield and Xavier Shepherd is a dynamic athlete under center. Shepherd has impressive escapability, quickness in the open field and definitely won’t be easy for the Bearcats to corral.

Jabari Taylor and Malik Vann must play at a high level up front but the whole defense will have to remain disciplined. Mike Tressel has plenty of talent to lean on with the Pace brothers and a slew of defensive backs ready to let loose at Nippert Stadium.

Kennesaw State at Cincinnati odds

According to WynnBET, the Bearcats are 28.5-point favorites over Kennesaw State. With just over a day until kick off, Cincinnati has a moneyline of -4000 and the over/under total is set at 49 points.

Even tough the Bearcats came up just short against Arkansas, it was a relatively promising performance. Gino Guidugli’s offense found a groove in the second half and should be able to keep that rhythm and success going against the Owls this weekend.

After taking an early lead, Kennesaw State lost to Samford 27-17 in the season opener last Thursday. The Owls led by a field goal heading into the fourth quarter but preceded to go scoreless and allow 13 unanswered points as the offense went silent.

Kennesaw State at Cincinnati predictions

Given the talent gap between the two programs, Cincinnati should be able to build a double digit lead in the first half and cruise to a win. With that said, it’s difficult to predict how well the defense will adjust to a triple option attack with a deep running back room.

Luke Fickell’s team should be well prepared for Kennesaw State’s ground game so it would be a surprise if the game remains competitive into the second half. I’m expecting Cincinnati to take an early lead en route to covering the 28.5-point spread.

Ben Bryant, Corey Kiner and the entire offense will look to avoid another slow start and move the ball consistently against Kennesaw State. Cincinnati should be able to handle the FCS opponent and extend the 27-game home win streak.