The Bearcats make their first nationally televised TV appearance tonight when they travel to Raleigh, NC to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack at 7:30 pm EST. After a terrible game at Fresno State and a shaky first half versus Indiana State, UC needs a quality win, especially the offense which has not looked like the point producing powerhouse of the previous two seasons.
The key to the game will be the play of the offense line, which has not performed well thus far. NC State likes to blitz, and after giving up 8 sacks at Fresno, the line will be tested early and often. Zach Collaros will need to make quick decision and not hold the ball too long. UC can neutralize the pass rush with a strong run game. The Bearcats had 263 yards rushing against Indiana State without their #1 rusher, Isiah Pead, who sat out with a sore knee. Pead will be back tonight and will need to be productive.
Another thing that has been missing this season is the big plays that characterized the offense the last two seasons. This year, the Bearcats longest pass completion is only 29 yards. Pead, Armon Binns, or DJ Woods need to break a long one early to get the momentum going in UC's favor.
NC State is not an offensive powerhouse, but stays in games because of its stout defense. If UC can grab a lead, the NC State offense might not be able to catch up.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Bearcats back on track? Maybe.
Due to a hellish 10 days at work and the loss to Fresno State that left me speechless, I haven't posted in a while. Regarding the Fresno State game: I was stunned at how bad we looked. I expected the offense to pickup where it left off and for the defense to struggle. Boy was I wrong. The defense actually looked pretty good, especially against the run, and the offense looked horrible.
Fresno State recorded 8 sacks after getting only 11 all of last year (ranked 119/120 teams), plus had many more QB hits and hurries. Some of this was Zach Collaros fault for holding the ball too long, and trying to make too many plays with his feet when he should have thrown it away, but much of it was the offensive lines fault. Center Jason Kelce stated that the problem wasn't that the line was being man-handled, as it appeared, but rather that "There were a lot of mental breakdowns, which can't happen. That's the number one thing in football. Everyone has to be on the same page, especially on the offensive line. If guys aren't on the same page, bad things are going to happen." Zach Collaros often looked lost. The wide receivers seldom were open. The running game barely averaged 2 yards per carry. Adding injury to insult was the loss of WR Vidal Hazleton to a torn ACL.
Against Indiana State, a far inferior team, things didn't start any better. UC led only 12-7 at halftime, as the offense again looked inept. One of the stars of the team, WR DJ Woods, lost 2 fumbles and had an unsportsmanlike penalty against him. The passing game was again mediocre. I don't know if its the new system, or the pressure of being the full-time starter, but it's was hard to believe Collaros is the same guy who won 4 starts in relief of Tony Pike last season. UC blew the game open in the 3rd quarter with 4 touchdowns, but much of the output came from the running game. The 4th quarter was scoreless with reserves getting reps.
I would have like to see UC throw more even when they had the lead. It would have given the offensive line a chance to work on their pass blocking a little more. It's not time to hit the panic button yet, but certainly things need to start clicking soon. UC is at NC State on Thursday and will provide a much stiffer test than Indiana State. UC then has 9 days to prepare to host top 10 Oklahoma. The Bearcats could get embarrassed if they don't get their offensive woes behind them soon.
Fresno State recorded 8 sacks after getting only 11 all of last year (ranked 119/120 teams), plus had many more QB hits and hurries. Some of this was Zach Collaros fault for holding the ball too long, and trying to make too many plays with his feet when he should have thrown it away, but much of it was the offensive lines fault. Center Jason Kelce stated that the problem wasn't that the line was being man-handled, as it appeared, but rather that "There were a lot of mental breakdowns, which can't happen. That's the number one thing in football. Everyone has to be on the same page, especially on the offensive line. If guys aren't on the same page, bad things are going to happen." Zach Collaros often looked lost. The wide receivers seldom were open. The running game barely averaged 2 yards per carry. Adding injury to insult was the loss of WR Vidal Hazleton to a torn ACL.
Against Indiana State, a far inferior team, things didn't start any better. UC led only 12-7 at halftime, as the offense again looked inept. One of the stars of the team, WR DJ Woods, lost 2 fumbles and had an unsportsmanlike penalty against him. The passing game was again mediocre. I don't know if its the new system, or the pressure of being the full-time starter, but it's was hard to believe Collaros is the same guy who won 4 starts in relief of Tony Pike last season. UC blew the game open in the 3rd quarter with 4 touchdowns, but much of the output came from the running game. The 4th quarter was scoreless with reserves getting reps.
I would have like to see UC throw more even when they had the lead. It would have given the offensive line a chance to work on their pass blocking a little more. It's not time to hit the panic button yet, but certainly things need to start clicking soon. UC is at NC State on Thursday and will provide a much stiffer test than Indiana State. UC then has 9 days to prepare to host top 10 Oklahoma. The Bearcats could get embarrassed if they don't get their offensive woes behind them soon.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Cincinnati @ Fresno State: Keys to the game
Cincinnati travels to "the doghouse" as a 2.5 point underdog versus Fresno State. Since 1990 Fresno State has won 78% of their non-conference games at Bulldog Stadium, which seats 41,000. The place is sure to be packed with a rowdy crowd anxious to beat a BCS opponent. Fortunately UC has experience with this as they went into Corvallis, Washington last year for a rare win at Oregon State.
In last season's 28-20 UC victory, the Bulldogs ran the ball for 290 yards, which allowed them to hold the ball (and keep UC's offense off the field) for nearly 45 minutes. Expect more of the same this year. Gone is RB Ryan Mathews to the NFL, but he is replaced by Robbie Rouse who is only 5-7, but a solid 185 pounds. Last year against the Bearcats, Rouse had 5 carries for 50 yards. Even more daunting is the fact that Fresno State returns all 5 starters on the offensive line (and 18 starters total) from last years team. In addition to the running game, Fresno State boasts as experienced senior quarterback and wide receiver. I expect them to test UC's pass defense early to keep the defense off balance and setup the run.
If there is one weakness for Fresno State it is their defensive backs. Two senior starters are gone and are replaced with two sophomores who have never started a game. Expect Zach Collaros and company to take advantage.
For Cincinnati, they need to take what Fresno State gives them and not hurt themselves with penalties and turnovers. If they do that, I don't think the Fresno State defense can stop them. Fresno State's best chance is a repeat of last year's game plan: run, run, and run some more so that the UC offense doesn't get many opportunites. UC's reconfigured 4-3 defense will need to do a better job of stuffing the run than last year's 3-4 did. If they can get off the field, UC should win this game. Both team's are strong offensively, but UC's is better. If the defense can hold up, I don't see Fresno State matching the Bearcats score for score.
I don't think the score will be as close the what some of the experts are predicting. I expect UC to pull away and win fairly easily. My prediction: 34-23.
In last season's 28-20 UC victory, the Bulldogs ran the ball for 290 yards, which allowed them to hold the ball (and keep UC's offense off the field) for nearly 45 minutes. Expect more of the same this year. Gone is RB Ryan Mathews to the NFL, but he is replaced by Robbie Rouse who is only 5-7, but a solid 185 pounds. Last year against the Bearcats, Rouse had 5 carries for 50 yards. Even more daunting is the fact that Fresno State returns all 5 starters on the offensive line (and 18 starters total) from last years team. In addition to the running game, Fresno State boasts as experienced senior quarterback and wide receiver. I expect them to test UC's pass defense early to keep the defense off balance and setup the run.
If there is one weakness for Fresno State it is their defensive backs. Two senior starters are gone and are replaced with two sophomores who have never started a game. Expect Zach Collaros and company to take advantage.
For Cincinnati, they need to take what Fresno State gives them and not hurt themselves with penalties and turnovers. If they do that, I don't think the Fresno State defense can stop them. Fresno State's best chance is a repeat of last year's game plan: run, run, and run some more so that the UC offense doesn't get many opportunites. UC's reconfigured 4-3 defense will need to do a better job of stuffing the run than last year's 3-4 did. If they can get off the field, UC should win this game. Both team's are strong offensively, but UC's is better. If the defense can hold up, I don't see Fresno State matching the Bearcats score for score.
I don't think the score will be as close the what some of the experts are predicting. I expect UC to pull away and win fairly easily. My prediction: 34-23.
Labels:
Cincinnati Bearcats,
football,
Fresno State Bulldogs,
UC,
Zach Collaros
Say What??? - Experts Predictions
The two-time defending Big East Champion Bearcats aren't getting alot of respect in the preseason, with most experts picking someone other than the men in red and black to win the Big East title this year. I'm sure Butch Jones and the players are using the lack of respect as motivation to prove everyone wrong....again.
UC is unranked in the AP and Coaches poll's, coming in at #26 in the voting in each. Some other predictions:
And what about tonight's game at Fresno State?
UC is unranked in the AP and Coaches poll's, coming in at #26 in the voting in each. Some other predictions:
- ESPN's Brian Bennett: Pitt wins Big East, UC "most likely to disappoint"
- ESPN's 2010 predictions: Of 12 "experts", 7 pick Pitt to win the Big East, 3 pick UConn, 2 pick UC.
- Sports Illustrated's 2010 Crystal Ball: None of the experts picked UC to win the Big East: 5 picked Pitt, 1 W.Va., 1 UConn.
- Tailgate365: Picks UConn to win the Big East, UC 3rd.
- Whatifsports, a computer simulation site, picks UC to finish 2nd to Pitt in the Big East with a 9-3 overall record.
- Foxsports Big East Preview: Big East title will come down to Pitt or W.Va.
- Sporting News Big East Predictions: picks Pitt to win the conference
And what about tonight's game at Fresno State?
- Las Vegas: Most have the line favoring Fresno by 2.5.
- Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel: Fresno 27 UC 22
- ESPN's Brian Bennett: UC 35 Fresno 34
- Whatifsports, a computer simulation site, picks UC to win 71.9% of the time by an average score of 41-35
- Team Rankings another computer simulation site, predicts UC to beat Fresno just 52.4% of the time.
- Scout: UC 34 Fresno 30
- Sporting News: Fresno 36 UC 33
Labels:
Cincinnati Bearcats,
football,
predictions,
rankings,
UC
Friday, September 3, 2010
Bearcats Preview: Defense
At the beginning of every season there are numerous questions. For UC this is no exception. Perhaps the biggest questions this year concern the defense. Most pundits see the defense as the weak link that will hinder the Bearcat's quest for a 3rd straight Big East title. Last year, Brian Kelly brought in Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator to switch UC from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. The key to success in the 3-4 is huge lineman who can tie up a blocker or two to allow the linebackers to make plays. Unfortunately, UC was not built to run the 3-4 and it showed. Despite winning 12 regular season games, the defense was near statistically one of the worst in the Big East.
This season, Butch Jones and his staff have reverted to the 4-3 which allows for lineman to use their speed and athleticism to get past blockers. This defense is a much better fit for the personnel on hand and hopefully will result in noticeable improvement over last season. The biggest knock against this defense is that it only returns 5 starters. With early tests against Fresno State, NC State, and Oklahoma, there better be a steep learning curve.
The defensive line is anchored by experienced junior Derek Wolfe at defensive tackle. Joining him will be junior John Hughes. At the ends will be sophomores Brandon Mills and Dan Giordano. Both saw extensive playing time coming off the bench last season.
At linebacker, junior and veteran starter J.K. Schaffer anchors the group and will be joined by sophomores Walter Stewart, who started 12 games last season, and Maalik Bomar. This position group is reportedly the most thin, in terms of talent and depth, on the team. The starters will have to stay healthy and the backups will need to learn and improve quickly.
In the defensive backfield, junior CB Dominique Battle and sophomore S Drew Frye return, and are joined by sophomore CB Reuben Johnson and junior S Wesley Richardson. Their backups are all freshman and sophomores, so this is another group that needs to stay healthy.
Last years defense had a hard time stopping the run and will be tested early by Fresno State. According to reports from training camp, this years defense is more aggressive and holding its own against the offense. In addition, they have a bit of a chip on their shoulder and something to prove to all the "experts" who have cited the defense as the reason the Bearcats will not 3-peat as Big East champs.
This season, Butch Jones and his staff have reverted to the 4-3 which allows for lineman to use their speed and athleticism to get past blockers. This defense is a much better fit for the personnel on hand and hopefully will result in noticeable improvement over last season. The biggest knock against this defense is that it only returns 5 starters. With early tests against Fresno State, NC State, and Oklahoma, there better be a steep learning curve.
The defensive line is anchored by experienced junior Derek Wolfe at defensive tackle. Joining him will be junior John Hughes. At the ends will be sophomores Brandon Mills and Dan Giordano. Both saw extensive playing time coming off the bench last season.
At linebacker, junior and veteran starter J.K. Schaffer anchors the group and will be joined by sophomores Walter Stewart, who started 12 games last season, and Maalik Bomar. This position group is reportedly the most thin, in terms of talent and depth, on the team. The starters will have to stay healthy and the backups will need to learn and improve quickly.
In the defensive backfield, junior CB Dominique Battle and sophomore S Drew Frye return, and are joined by sophomore CB Reuben Johnson and junior S Wesley Richardson. Their backups are all freshman and sophomores, so this is another group that needs to stay healthy.
Last years defense had a hard time stopping the run and will be tested early by Fresno State. According to reports from training camp, this years defense is more aggressive and holding its own against the offense. In addition, they have a bit of a chip on their shoulder and something to prove to all the "experts" who have cited the defense as the reason the Bearcats will not 3-peat as Big East champs.
Labels:
Cincinnati Bearcats,
football,
UC
Bearcats Preview: Offense
Depending on what publication you read, and how you define "starter", Cincinnati returns 11 or 13 starters from last years team, with most of those on the offensive side of the ball. The general consensus is that the offense is loaded and should be as good if not better than last year. New head coach Butch Jones uses the same spread offense style as Brian Kelly, but runs it at an even faster tempo. The goal is to keep defenses on their heels.
At quarterback, UC is lead by junior Zach Collaros. Collaros started 4 games in relief of the injured Tony Pike last season and went 4-0. In fact, Collaros hasn't lost a game as a starter since his sophomore year of high school. Collaros makes the offense even more dangerous because he is a dual-threat that can hurt you with his running as well as his passing. One of his first plays in relief of Pike last season was a 75 yard QB draw for a TD against South Florida. The QB position is deep with junior Chazz Anderson and sophomore Brendon Kay both looking impressive during the preseason, and some highly touted freshman waiting in the wings.
At running back, Isiah Pead will be the featured back this year. Pead led the Big East at just under 7 yards per carry last season, but never carried the ball more than 18 times in a game. Coach Jones has indicated that Pead will have a bigger role in the offense this season. Pead is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, and in previous years Jones' RBs at Central Michigan featured prominently in the passing game. Behind Pead on the depth chart is senior John Goebel who returns after an injury-plagued 2009. He is the biggest back on the team at 213 pounds. Sophomores Darrin Williams and Quentin Hines could also see some playing time.
Wide receiver is likely the most talented position on the team, even with the loss of star Mardy Gilyard to the NFL. Armon Binns flourished last seasons as teams focused on stopping Gilyard. Binns is fast, tall, strong, and can go up to get the ball. He finished last season with 61 catches for 888 yards and 11 TDs. Making his UC debut is highly touted transfer Vidal Hazleton, who last played two seasons ago at USC. He has reportedly been running over DBs in practice. Rounding out the starters is junior DJ Woods, who is small but quick and sure-handed. He grabbed 51 balls for 540 yards and 4 TDs. In addition to the starters senior Marcus Barnett returns to the WR position after spending time in Brian Kelly's doghouse as a DB. Adding potency to the passing game is senior TE Ben Guidulgi, who was name 2nd team all-American by the Sporting News. Guidulgi is big and fast, and creates matchup headaches for opposing defenses.
The offensive line returns 3 starters lead by senior center Jason Kelce. Senior CJ Cobb and junior Sam Griffin return as the starting tackles. Junior Alex Hoffman and freshman Evan Davis get their first starts at the guard positions. In order of how named above, the line weighs in at 290, 304, 260, 293, & 262.
At quarterback, UC is lead by junior Zach Collaros. Collaros started 4 games in relief of the injured Tony Pike last season and went 4-0. In fact, Collaros hasn't lost a game as a starter since his sophomore year of high school. Collaros makes the offense even more dangerous because he is a dual-threat that can hurt you with his running as well as his passing. One of his first plays in relief of Pike last season was a 75 yard QB draw for a TD against South Florida. The QB position is deep with junior Chazz Anderson and sophomore Brendon Kay both looking impressive during the preseason, and some highly touted freshman waiting in the wings.
At running back, Isiah Pead will be the featured back this year. Pead led the Big East at just under 7 yards per carry last season, but never carried the ball more than 18 times in a game. Coach Jones has indicated that Pead will have a bigger role in the offense this season. Pead is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, and in previous years Jones' RBs at Central Michigan featured prominently in the passing game. Behind Pead on the depth chart is senior John Goebel who returns after an injury-plagued 2009. He is the biggest back on the team at 213 pounds. Sophomores Darrin Williams and Quentin Hines could also see some playing time.
Wide receiver is likely the most talented position on the team, even with the loss of star Mardy Gilyard to the NFL. Armon Binns flourished last seasons as teams focused on stopping Gilyard. Binns is fast, tall, strong, and can go up to get the ball. He finished last season with 61 catches for 888 yards and 11 TDs. Making his UC debut is highly touted transfer Vidal Hazleton, who last played two seasons ago at USC. He has reportedly been running over DBs in practice. Rounding out the starters is junior DJ Woods, who is small but quick and sure-handed. He grabbed 51 balls for 540 yards and 4 TDs. In addition to the starters senior Marcus Barnett returns to the WR position after spending time in Brian Kelly's doghouse as a DB. Adding potency to the passing game is senior TE Ben Guidulgi, who was name 2nd team all-American by the Sporting News. Guidulgi is big and fast, and creates matchup headaches for opposing defenses.
The offensive line returns 3 starters lead by senior center Jason Kelce. Senior CJ Cobb and junior Sam Griffin return as the starting tackles. Junior Alex Hoffman and freshman Evan Davis get their first starts at the guard positions. In order of how named above, the line weighs in at 290, 304, 260, 293, & 262.
Labels:
Cincinnati Bearcats,
football
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A New Season Dawns!
Are you ready for some football? I am. Last season was bittersweet with a fantastic, perfect 12-0 regular season that ended with Brian Kelly leaving for Notre Dame and a crushing defeat in the Sugar Bowl. Now the Bearcats are back and reportedly hungrier than ever. Over the next couple of days I'll preview the team, but for now some highlights from last years historic season.
Labels:
Cincinnati Bearcats,
football,
Sugar Bowl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)