UCGrad1992
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I Root For: Bearcats U
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RE: Alabama A&M Bulldogs: Thoughts? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I don't care that it's Bama A&M. I'm ready for some football tomorrow night! Game Matchup summary...
Quote:The matchup
Cincinnati (2-0) vs. Alabama A&M (1-1)
Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m. at Nippert Stadium (40,000)
TV/Radio: ESPN3/ESPN APP/102.7 WEBN (switches to 700 WLW after Reds game)/Satellite XM 389/Sirius Internet 978
When UC runs
Thus far, that's been the case more often than not. Sophomore running back Michael Warren II is tied for the national lead in rushing touchdowns coming into the game with five and you can expect No. 3 to get a healthy dose of carries after racking up 233 yards in UC's two wins. Generously listed at 5-foot-11, Warren is like a bowling ball bouncing off pins not afraid to grind out yards. Leading the charge on the offensive line has been Dino Boyd, Kyle Trout, Morgan James, Chris Ferguson and a host of tight ends led by Josiah Deguara and Bruno Labelle. Redshirt freshman Desmond Ridder has also been explosive running the ball as he's tallied 163 yards (100 of those vs. Miami University) and leads the team in yards per carry at 5.1. Last year's top rusher Gerrid Doaks has been held out injured thus far, but could see initial carries in this one as well as true freshmen Tavion Thomas and Charles McClelland. Thomas rushed for a key first down last week when Warren sat out a play after his helmet was knocked off.
When UC passes
Well, mouths may drop after last week's "ground and pound" performance. However, under the rainy conditions at Paul Brown Stadium, the game plan was justified and effective. In two games, Desmond Ridder has thrown 35 times and completed 19 for 145 yards. Under previous coaches, those would be halftime totals, but the conservative approach has fared well thus far and there have been no interceptions. Tight end Josiah Deguara has the lone touchdown reception and leads the team with six catches. Senior receiver Khalil Lewis has caught just four balls after chasing down 109 passes the past two seasons. Still, he received glowing reviews from coach Luke Fickell in Tuesday's press conference for his blocking. As NFL scouts know, it's hard to advance to the pros without that skill. Presumably, this would be a game where senior Hayden Moore would see some action and it may benefit all involved to work in some pass routes. On the other hand, Moore's single-game record of 557 yards won't be in jeopardy.
When Alabama A&M runs
The Bulldogs first rush will be their first attempt outside of Alabama this season as they defeated Miles College 37-0 and lost to North Alabama 25-20 in their first two games. Their top rusher is Jordan Bentley with 106 yards in two games and a 5.9 yards per carry average. The UC defense is coming off a game where they held the Miami RedHawks to just 59 yards. Fickell has been highly complimentary of the Bearcats front line led by leading tacklers Marquise Copeland and Cortez Broughton.
When Alabama A&M passes
The Bulldogs have thrown the ball nearly twice as much as UC with Aqeel Glass accounting for 401 yards through the air and four touchdowns. Glass has been picked off twice and this may be an opportunity for the defensive backs coached by Jon Tenuta and Mike Mickens to make some big plays. James Wiggins and Darrick Forrest have had key picks for UC the first two weeks. Glass has spread the ball around with Octayvius Miles and Brian Jenkins Jr. both hauling in six passes to lead the Bulldogs.
Special teams
Bearcat punter James Smith was a difference-maker last week in flipping field position. The Australian is averaging around 45 yards per kangaroo kick. Redshirt freshman Cole Smith has only been tested once with a 24-yard field goal at UCLA but has made all of his extra points. James Wiggins has UC's only two kickoff returns (most are touchbacks these days) while Aulden Knight may have a chance to spring loose on a punt return, showing some elusiveness this preseason. Spencer Corey handles punting and kicking for Alabama A&M. He's 3-for-3 on field goals but has kicked no further than 28 yards.
Gresh's Gameplan: 3 keys to victory
TCB
Gresh's obvious key this week is to get well, so he can be back with you for the Ohio University tilt Sept. 22. Beyond that, all good Elvis fans know that TCB was the pendant with the lightning bolt Presley's Memphis Mafia wore meaning "taking care of business" (also a classic song title for Bachman-Turner Overdrive said the old fellow). The past two seasons have seen somewhat sloppy openers with Austin Peay and Tennessee-Martin. Both were wins, but both seemed sluggish nearly taking their opponent for granted. This is a team UC defeated 52-10 three years ago. While that's not an indicator of what may happen, these are games Division I teams schedule to grab a win and get their players reps. Overlooking such a game can lead to being on ESPN in an unflattering manner.
Spread the wealth
Like last week, Michael Warren II and Desmond Ridder combined for nearly 200 yards rushing. On the other hand, the Ohio University game would have great importance the following week if you gazed into the crystal ball and could come out 4-0 going into AAC play. Should the Bearcats get to a comfortable lead, it may be time to see what they have in Tavion Thomas and Charles McClelland (and Doaks if healthy). Likewise, Hayden Moore and one of the other quarterbacks should see the field and there's probably a slew of receivers who would chase a forward pass down like a Jeff Ruby filet. Ditto on defense. Let the swagger ripple down.
Enjoy the band
No, not the players. They need to be lectured and watered down at halftime. Alabama A&M will bring their Marching Maroon & White Band and they're tremendously entertaining. If you've ever heard of the Magic City Classic in Alabama, you know of which I speak. The Bulldog cheerleaders and Dancin' Divas are also talented and never stop smiling. You bought the ticket, take in the full effect.
Number of note
98 – That's UC's Fan Happiness Index according to ESPN. The Bearcat football team is ranked No. 1 ahead of Oklahoma (97). Locally Ohio State is 9th, Notre Dame 11th, Kentucky 17th and Indiana 20th. A 3-0 start would only add to that.
Prediction: Cincinnati 35, Alabama A&M 10
Sure, UC should score more and Alabama A&M less, but a couple factors come into play. A run-first offense will chew the clock and the field, so unless Warren and Ridder are ripping off big chunk plays, you may have to be patient for points. Some of these could come defensively and UC's pressure defense could result in big turnovers that might boost the score. On the other hand, the Bulldogs didn't just come for the check, they also have scholarship athletes that want to see the end zone. Though defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman could easily pitch another shutout, Saturday's conditions won't be near as treacherous and there's no ceremonial bell. The key should be getting the win and getting out healthy. That sets UC up for a high noon date with Ohio University with a shot at 4-0. At 4-0 they would be two wins from a bowl date with seven AAC dates to go, with four of those at "The Nipp".
TEAM AVERAGES
Points for, points against, total offense, rushing offense, passing offense, total defense, rushing defense, passing defense
UC – 23.5, 8.5, 268.5, 191, 77.5, 252, 101.5, 150.5
Alabama A&M – 28.5, 12.5, 378. 159, 219, 215.5, 122, 93.5
Bama A&M Matchup
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