With a road trip to Temple around the corner, the Bearcats will look to create a clean pocket for senior signal caller Ben Bryant and shut down Temple’s true freshman quarterback EJ Warner.
Bryant has played well throughout the season but struggles to make plays when being pressured so it will be key to eliminate the Owls defensive front after allowing 10 total sacks in the last four games.
During the win over East Carolina, Bryant started the night with a safety and threw an interception before bouncing back with a pair of touchdowns, completing 46.7% of his passes for 244 yards.
Gino Guidugli’s offense has flashes of explosiveness behind Bryant’s connection with Tyler Scott and Tre Tucker, averaging 32.6 points per game, but it’s been five games since scoring more than 30 points.
Temple comes in with a 3-7 record but is playing better recently behind a high-powered passing offense. In the three most recent games, the Owls are putting up 36.7 points and 366.0 passing yards per game. #Bearcatshttps://t.co/OaZueTlJqE
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) November 17, 2022
Cincinnati Football: Quarterback comparison as the Bearcats take on Temple
After starting the season with D’Wan Mathis under center, the Owls made a change to the freshman quarterback. Warner has totaled 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions on a 58.7% completion rate.
Temple has averaged just 21.4 points per game this season but has seemingly started to find a groove in recent games. Warner has helped the team put up 33.7 points per game in the last three weeks.
The Bearcats need a win to remain in the AAC title race and will need to keep Warner from finding his receivers down field and in open space. Luke Fickell talked about defending Warner in a recent press conference via Cincinnati Athletics.
"“They are very efficient at what they do and throw the ball incredibly well. The quarterback has only taken six sacks and he throws the ball 40 times per game. They have great balance and for a young guy, he understands the game and where his outlets are. You see the growth.”"