2014
Cincinnati Bearcats
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
With a lot of the other AAC teams leaving or losing top players, this is Cincinnati’s season to win the conference. While the Bearcats don’t have a hands down QB at this point, Notre Dame transfer Gunner Kiel looks to be in line for the opening Game start, with JC transfer Jarred Evans and former starter Munchie Legaux also in the mix.
Tommy Tuberville finished 9-4 (6-2) in his first season as head coach for Cincy and could improve on that, especially in the AAC. The offense was fairly consistent in 2013 averaging 32 points per Game, and the addition of Kiel shouldn’t change that. Cincy returns most of their skill position players in running backs Hosey Williams, Ralph Abernathy and Tion Green. Shaq Washington (78 receptions) and Chris Moore (9 TDs) lead the receiving Game and should be solid options for Kiel.
The offensive line loses a couple starters, but have enough returning talent to not change much, especially with Eric Lefeld, probably the best tackle in the conference. The Bearcats offense should be able to roll over most teams in the AAC.
Cincy, as usual, had a great defense last year allowing just 21 points per Game. Even so, Tuberville decided to go with a new coordinator in former UConn man Hank Hughes, although none of the schemes should change.
They bring back plenty of talent on the defensive side as well with seven starters in total. The linebackers are stocked with seniority in Nick Temple and Jeff LUc to go along with transfer Eric Wilson. Silverberry Mouhon (9.5 sacks) is a beast on the end and could reach double-digit sack totals. The secondary returns three of last year’s starters with two seniors at cornerback.
With Louisville gone and UCF using a new QB, the Conference is there for the taking for the Bearcats.
What will hurt Cincinnati’s overall record is their non-Conference Schedule that includes Games at Ohio State and Miami (FL). OUtside of those two, they’ll get two Games against beatable MAC teams.
The funny thing about the projected top two teams (Cincy, UCF) in the AAC is that they don’t play each other. The Bearcats’ hardest Games will likely be road Games at SMU, Connecticut and Temple if that says anything about their Conference Schedule. Although for home Games this year, Cincinnati has to play at a more spacious stadium while theirs gets renovated.
The Games of concern come against East Carolina and Houston, both of whom can put points on the board and could surprise in this Conference against someone like Cincinnati. However, as long as the quarterback situation doesn’t completely blow up, this team should be in line to win the Conference as UCF faces Houston and East Carolina both at home.
10 regular season wins is probably the goal for Tuberville and his staff.
5 dimes sportsbook has odds/lines posted for the first few weeks of Games for several AAC teams. Check em out.
2014 Cincinnati Football Schedule
Sept. 12 vs. Toledo
Sept. 20 vs. Miami (OH)
Sept. 27 at Ohio State
Oct. 4 vs. Memphis
Oct. 11 at Miami (FL)
Oct. 18 at SMU
Oct. 24 vs. South Florida
Oct. 31 at Tulane
Nov. 13 vs. East Carolina
Nov. 22 at Connecticut
Nov. 29 at Temple
Dec. 6 vs. Houston