The Cincinnati Bearcats remain one of college football’s best-kept secrets, as they have won at least a share of four of the last five Big East titles. A fact known by about nine people outside of the Queen City. Tommy Tuberville takes over the reigns and his Bearcats enter the season at 175-1 Odds to win the 2014 BCS Title.
The O-line will mask the offense’s warts. The Bearcats are trying to replace last year’s leading rusher and top two pass-catchers. The battle at quarterback between Brendon Kay and Munchie Legaux remains undecided. Still, there’s a sense of calm surrounding the Cincinnati offense, because all five starting linemen are back for another year. Led by the left side of T Eric Lefeld and G Austen Bujnoch, the 2012 team led the Big East in rushing, and was third in sacks allowed. The current unit will be every bit as effective, which will directly impact a questionable collection of skill players.
The Bearcats rather quietly posted the program’s best defensive scoring average since 1995. UC allowed 18.5 points per game, which ranked No. 14 nationally. The Bearcats return six defensive starters and several others part-time starters. Middle linebacker Greg Blair was first team All-Big East and averaged 10.6 tackles per game. Outside linebacker Nick Temple and tackle Jordan Stepp are among other productive returnees. Senior defensive backs Deven Drane and Arryn Chenault will anchor the secondary.
The team will be far better if it learns how to win the tight games. Just how close was Cincinnati to delivering its second perfect regular season since 2009? It squandered a second-half lead against Toledo, fell in overtime to eventual league champ Louisville and managed a lone field goal versus Rutgers. The Bearcats were at their best when they built a cushion and then put their foot on the gas pedal. Nip-and-tuck games, though, were what eventually sent this program to the Belk Bowl instead of a marquee BCS event.
There is a solid core of returnees, but the unknown is how much impact to expect from several transfers. The Bearcats had 10-win seasons in both 2011 and 2012 under Butch Jones, who parlayed his success into the Tennessee job. With a relatively kind schedule, Cincinnati fans could see another season of double-digit wins.
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
March Marco Contest is back. FREE to Enter!!! CLICK TO ENTER
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for CFB Season with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!
College Football Win Totals: Syracuse Orange
What college football bettors need to know about betting a win total on the Syracuse Orangemen - a free pick from Pregame.com's Marco D'Angelo, with Ken Thomson.