College Football Preview: Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bearcats

2015 Results: 7-6 (4-4, 3rd in East)

Lost Hawaii Bowl to San Diego State

Returning Starters: 4 OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st TENNESSEE-MARTIN

10th at Purdue

15th HOUSTON

24th MIAMI (OH)

October

1st SOUTH FLORIDA

8th at Connecticut

22nd EAST CAROLINA

29th at Temple

November

5th BRIGHAM YOUNG

12th at Central Florida

18th MEMPHIS

25th at Tulsa

Cincinnati is coming off of a disappointing season after a 9-4 campaign in 2014. Even at 7-6, the Bearcats ranked near the top of the country in every offensive category. But this is a new year. Cincy has two new coordinators on staff and Tommy Tuberville's honeymoon is nearly over. With the likes of Brian Kelly coaching your school, you begin to have higher expectations. The Bearcats have key players returning that can lead them back to the prominence their fanbase is hoping for.

On offense, the Bearcats return the interior lineman. The protection will definitely be needed as senior quarterback Gunner Kiel will have zero returning receivers. The running backs who are expected to contribute the most, Tion Green and Mike Boone, were not starters, but they were big producers last season. The two combined for 1,478 yards and 17 TDs,

On the defensive side, new coordinator Robert Prunty is inherited a pretty good unit. Top tacklers, Eric Wilson and Zach Edwards, both return. Linebacker Bryce Jenkinson, who played a big role as a true freshman, will also be heavily relied upon. Cincinnati's defense improved 18 rankings in total defense last year. With the talent they have returning, the trend is expected to continue.

Player to Watch: Gunner Kiel

The quarterback competition is supposedly open, but there should be no doubt that the fifth year senior will be calling the signals. Last season, Kiel threw for 2,777 yards and 19 TDs in 10 games. In the two years that he has been in Cincinnati, he has thrown 50 TDs and only 24 INTs. Watch for Kiel to leave his mark on the program in his final year.

If you only watch them play once, watch:

9/15 Houston

The Bearcats will only have five days to prepare for the defending conference champs. But a Thursday game will likely be the highlight of the college football slate for the night. Houston won the match-up last year by a score of 33-30. Expect a rowdy crowd, and an electric atmosphere. 

What to Expect

Cincinnati should compete for the division title, or they could bottom out. There is no middle ground for this squad. They get South Florida and Houston at home, so that works out in their favor. 

Prediction

8-4 (5-3, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th