Canes Rising Contributor
Name: The University of Cincinnati
Mascot: Bearcats
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Home Stadium: Nippert Stadium(Capacity: 36,000)/Paul Brown Stadium*(Capacity: 65,515)
Conference: American Athletic Conference (AAC)
Athletic Director: Mike Bohn
Head Coach: Tommy Tuberville
Time Capsule
The Bearcats have been a stepping stone to greater glory for their last two head coaches, Brian Kelly and Butch Jones. Tommy Tuberville came to Cinci from Texas Tech and led them to a 9-4 season. The Bearcats lost to North Carolina in the Belk Bowl, but still went 6-2 in the American Athletic Conference. The schedule wasn't overly challenging, with Louisville being the only ranked team they faced all season.
What To Expect This Season
Offense
Under Kelly and Jones, the Bearcats developed some outstanding passers. From Tony Pike, to Zach Collaros, observers could count on a difference maker at the quarterback position. Gunner Kiel is the newest addition to that proud tradition of Bearcat signal callers. Kiel, a player who committed to multiple schools during his recruitment found his way to Cinci from Notre Dame and is a player who can make things happen through the air. He's completing over 60% of his passes, and has thrown 15 touchdown passes, with only 3 interceptions. Kiel is battling a rib injury and may not play on Saturday, but if he is able to play, Miami's corners will have their hands full. The key to stopping Kiel is creating pressure, and punishing him. Kiel is athletic, but he isn't a scrambler. He will look to extend plays using his feet, but he will not venture beyond the line of scrimmage. If Kiel can't play, the gameplan will be totally different for his backup, Munchie Legaux. Munchie is an athlete that will leave the pocket, who is most dangerous in the open field. Legaux isn't the passer Kiel is, but he has the ability to create big plays thanks to his athleticism. The Bearcats rarely run the football, but get a nice boost the few times they do go to the ground. Cinci's leading rusher, Hosey Williams, only has 26 carries on the season. However, he is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. It's an embarrassment of riches at receiver, as the Bearcats spread the ball around, and have a plethora of talent at the position. Chris Moore is averaging over 30 yards per reception. He is a talented player who can stretch the field vertically. He's not the only talented Bearcat on the outside. Shaq Washington, and Mekale Mckay are also players to watch. The tight ends are rarely utilized in the passing game, with D.J. Dowdy only having 3 receptions so far this year. The offensive line returns 3 starters, but has struggled at times this year.
Defense
Cinci has struggled defensively this season, allowing an average of 37 points per game, which puts them 114th nationally. A major problem for the Bearcats has been creating pressure on the quarterback, with the Bearcats having only one legit rusher, Terrell Hartsfield. Hartsfield is a solid player, accumulating 3 sacks so far. Cinci has some solid linebackers, led by FSU transfer Jeff Luc. Luc, a highly touted recruit has 63 total tackles this season, leading the team. Nick Temple and Kevin Mouhon are solid linebackers who complement Luc well. The secondary has been lit up by multiple quarterbacks this season, and have limited ball skills as their lack of interceptions indicate. Cinci has been giving up yards in bunches, something the 'Canes should be able to exploit.
Special Teams
Kicker Andrew Gantz hasn't been utilized often, only attempting 3 field goals this season. He hasn't had an attempt over 40 yards. The punting situation is a little strange, because there isn't a clear cut starter at the position. Both Sam Geraci and John Lloyd have taken snaps, and both have talent. This unit is a total unknown, because of the lack of significant playing time.
*Paul Brown Stadium is a temporary home for the Bearcats, while Nippert Stadium is being renovated.
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