Cincinnati
vs.
UCONN
College Football Pick
10/8/16
By Jason Green
Both of these teams could really use a win, as each is 0-2 in AAC play. What is even more worrisome about Cincy’s 2 Conference losses is that both came at home. However, on the road they are 3-point betting favorites facing a UCONN team that has lost 2 straight and 3 of their last 4 Games.
Cincinnati has won 5 straight facing UCONN and in the all-time series they have won 10 of 12 Games facing them.
In their last Game Cincinnati was at home and was crushed by South Florida and they did not cover as 8-point underdogs. UCONN also lost badly in their last Game falling to Houston 42-14 not covering even though they were the 27.5-point underdog.
In Cincy’s last 2 Conference losses they have given up at least 40 points in each. In the loss to USF in their last Game they gave up 454 total yards of offense and were torched on the ground giving up 226 rushing yards. Can UCONN take advantage of that? They did have 335 yards of offense in the Houston loss, but much of it came in the 4th quarter when the Game was already over.
The Huskies do not have a dynamic offense led by QB Bryant Shirreffs, who has a completion percentage of less than 50% in 2 of his last 3 Games. RB Arkeel Newsome had a couple of solid Games in row before being shut down by Houston only averaging 2.2 yards per carry. Cincy only ranks 103rd in the nation in pass defense and Shirreffs will likely have to shoulder the offensive load.
In the loss to USF freshman QB Ross Trail had a TD and rushed for a TD, but was yanked for Gunner Kiel after throwing 3 picks. A starter has not been named and the Bearcats may want to rely on the RB duo of Tion Green and Mike Boone, who have combined for 592 rushing yards. However, UCONN ranks a decent 30th in the nation in run defense, but only 113th in pass defense.
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Conference Games, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Games overall, and they have an Under record of 10-4 in their last 14 Games.
UCONN is 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 home Games, 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record, and they have an Under record of 4-1 in their last 5 home Games.
Neither team much to write home about. This may be UCONNS best chance for a win in this series as this years Bearcat team nowhere near as talented as previous years. We rate this teams just about even. UCONN +3.