This is the fifth post in a twelve-post series that gives a preseason analysis of what to expect from every opponent the Cincinnati Bearcats play this upcoming college football season. We last looked at the Bearcats week four opponent, the Kansas State Wildcats who Cincinnati plays in their Big 12 opener.
The Bearcats' week five opponent and second Big 12 opponent of the season is the Arizona Wildcats, who are picked to finish at the top of the Big 12 this upcoming season. The reason for them being picked so high is because of the players that they were able to retain from last year along with some players that they picked up in the transfer portal.
The Wildcats' biggest returner is quarterback Noah Fifita, who will enter his third season as the starting quarterback. Last season, Fifita passed for 3,228 yards, 29 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, posting a QBR of 71.2. He added 216 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground as well.
They also return running back Kedrick Reescano, who ran for 396 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. They are pairing Reescano with returner Quincy Craig, who ran for 364 yards and 2 touchdowns, and adding Antwan Roberts from Marshall, who ran for 512 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Thundering Herd last season.
The Wildcats' receiving core is their hit-or-miss position group; they have a solid group of guys between Chris Hunter, Rodney Gallagher III, Tre Spivey, and Jordan Ross, but they have no clear No.1 option.
The Wildcats' defense is supposed to be solid, with linebacker Taye Brown leading the way, totaling 93 tackles, 1 pass deflection, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception last season. Cornerback JayVion Cole returns for the Wildcats' defense; last season, he had 23 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 4 interceptions.
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