Cincinnati Football: Last-minute predictions for the Fenway Bowl against Louisville

The Bearcats are just a few hours from facing the Louisville Cardinals in the Fenway Bowl in Boston. Get ready for the rivalry game with our preview including last-minute predictions!

In addition to the Keg of Nails rivalry taking place for the first time since 2013, the Fenway Bowl has even more intrigue after head coach Scott Satterfield recently left Louisville for Cincinnati.

Even though the roster is currently in flux, the Bearcats that will take the field on Saturday morning have remained positive and ready to take advantage of the upcoming opportunity.

Tyler Scott joined Cincinnati senior receiver Tre Tucker and senior tight ends Josh Whyle and Leonard Taylor to opt out of the bowl game against Louisville and prepare for the draft.

Cincinnati Football: Last-minute predictions for the Fenway Bowl against Louisville

• Date: Saturday, December 17 at 11:00 AM
• Location: Fenway Park in Boston
• TV Broadcast: ESPN and fuboTV
• Series History: Bearcats lead 30-22-1

I’m expecting Kerry Coombs and the staff to focus on establishing the ground game behind senior running back duo Charles McClelland and Ryan Montgomery, plus Evan Prater’s ability to run.

It’s a difficult game to predict since both programs are dealing with coaching changes, opt outs and plenty of roster turnover but all of that should create a competitive matchup between the former rivals.

I think Cincinnati has an advantage defensively and will be able to slow down Louisville just enough to secure a tight win. I’m picking the Bearcats to escape with a 23-21 win but I can definitely see this game going in either direction.

Cincinnati Football: Breaking down Keg of Nails series history prior to Fenway Bowl

The storied rivalry between the Bearcats and Louisville is set to resume in the Fenway Bowl this week. Check out a break down of the Keg of Nails rivalry prior to kick off on Saturday in Boston!

After first meeting in 1929, the matchup became an annual rivalry game in 1966 since both schools previously competed in the Missouri Valley Conference, Conference USA and Big East.

Cincinnati leads the series with a 30-22-1 record against the Cardinals including winning the first 12 games from 1929-1970 but Louisville has gone 11-5 since a blowout loss at home in 1997.

Despite trailing the all-time series, Louisville won the two most recent matchups with overtime wins in 2012 and 2013 behind All-Big East duo Teddy Bridgewater and DeVante Parker.