Offense Has a Higher Ceiling Than We Thought
Cincinnati has bounced back from their offensive struggles better than we could've hoped. After just 69 passing yards in the season opener against Nebraska, many Bearcat fans were already writing off the season due to a poor offensive performance against a "subpar" team. Well now, Nebraska is 3-0, has one of the best defenses in college football and the Bearcats offense looks at its best heading into the Big 12 regular season.
Brendan Sorsby looked unstoppable, completing all 15 of his passing attempts for 253 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also added 39 yards rushing and a touchdown on the way to the Bearcats 70-0 win over Northwestern State. The Bearcats offense catches stride at the perfect time, they start Big 12 play next week against the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kansas.
Caleb Goodie Has Arrived as a Difference Maker
Out of trio of receiver the Bearcats acquired through the Transfer Portal, Caleb Goodie, formerly at Colorado State, finally made his first big impact as a Bearcat. Goodie had 3 receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown, which was a 55-yard catch and run. Goodie gives the Bearcats big-play ability, most of his receptions last season going for at least 20 yards.
Goodie alongside Jeff Caldwell and Cyrus Allen have all had their own share of big games for the Bearcats, but one them needs to step up next week in Lawrence.
The Run Game Needs to be Reestablished
The Cincinnati Bearcats ran for 243 total yards across nine different ball carriers, a solid number but it needs to be a larger focus point once conference games start. Defenses being equally scared of the Bearcats run and pass game makes it a lot easier for an offensive scheme. This issue was big for Cincinnati last season, as teams only feared Corey Kiner and didn't think the Bearcats would have much success through the air.
With the run game being reestablished through Tawee Walker, Evan Pryor, and Brendan Sorsby, the offense is far better off. Run-pass-options plays though Walker and Sorsby along with outside-the-tackle running from Pryor, it unlocks the offense. Getting the defense to focus on the run game opens the play-action along with the pass game out of shotgun or under center.
If the Bearcats can have some success running the ball then the sky is the limit for this team in the Big 12.