Let's Try This Again

          Last season when the University of Cincinnati Bearcats played N.C. State they got beat up. The Bearcats were physically and mentally weaker than the Wolfpack. UC was on the road, had a new head coach and was missing their starting running back. Not to mention that the team was very young. This season, they are at home, have veteran leaders and are hoping for a better outcome than they received last season.

          They have to turn to guys like J.K. Schaffer to help the defense really hold its’ own against North Carolina State. The Bearcats are 2-1 and if they want to re-establish their relevance in college football, this is a game they have to win. The game is being nationally televised on ESPN. The win would give them a 3-1 record and give them momentum heading into their conference schedule.

          I think their offense is going to need to score. Defense has been a problem in Bearcat country for years and with young defensive backs it will be hard for the defense to contain the Wolfpack. The key to the offense is the offensive line and Senior QB Zach Collaros. If the line can open up holes for Isiah Pead like they have the first three games and give Collaros time to throw the ball our offense should be in good shape. Zach needs to be able to feel when he is being pressured and make good decisions in and out of the pocket. One way to hide a defense is to keep them off of the field. Third down conversions will play a major role in deciding this game. It would be huge if the UC defense can get off of the field and get the ball back for its’ offense. If we can run the ball effectively and have long 10-12 play scoring drives it will keep our defense rested for a big stop late in the game. I think the defense will have to make a play late to bring home a win.



Bottom Line: For UC to win this football game they need to do a few things:


1.Establish the run. After that they need to run, run and run some more.


2. Give Collaros time to throw: If Zach gets time, he is very effective. I would like to see him use his feet some tonight to get positive yards in pressure situations.


3. Get the ball to the playmakers: Isiah Pead, D.J. Woods, Anthony McClung.


4. Get off of the field on Third down: If the UC defense can step up and get off of the field on third downs, it will really give the Bearcats a good shot at winning.



Prediction: I think that the defense who can slow the others offense down (just a little) will win. I think it will be a high scoring game and one in which the Bearcats win in a very tight contest. The team with the last defensive stop will win and that will be UC.


Final Score: UC: 38 N.C. State: 31

Isiah Pead (above) didn't play in the loss at N.C. State last
season. He should be a difference maker in
a game that UC needs to win.