Cincinnati at NC State Preview

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.