Cincinnati Bearcats Football: Previewing the Tennessee Game

After a perfect start in Week 1, the opponent gets a little harder in Week 2 when Cincinnati travels to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. 

Tennessee reigns from the mighty SEC and while they are in the lower half of the conference, the challenge on the road will be one of the most difficult games of the season for Cincinnati. 

Here is a breakdown of what to expect from Tennessee on Saturday. 

Offense

The Volunteers put up 42 points on an overmatched Montana team and utilizes a very balanced attack. They love to throw the football, but also have one of the best running backs in the country. 

Tauren Poole carried the ball 24 times for 98 yards and a touchdown against Montana. 

Quarterback Tyler Bray was 17-24 for 293 yards and three touchdowns. He can sling it and the Bearcats' secondary will be tested early and often. 

The duo of Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers each went over 100 yards receiving in the season opener and pose a huge test for Cincinnati. 

The Bearcats will need to get pressure on Bray to disrupt the Tennessee passing attack. 

Defense

The Volunteers have a solid defensive line with defensive ends Jacques Smith and Ben Martin. Smith had two tackles for a loss in the season opener and will have to be controlled from the start by the Cincinnati offensive line. 

Senior Austin Johnson leads a solid linebacker group that will be geared toward stopping Isaiah Pead on the ground. 

In the secondary, Marsalis Teague will anchor a group that will have their fair share of opportunities against Zach Collaros and the Bearcats' passing attack. 

Outcome

Cincinnati has a chance to go in and pull off the upset over Tennessee. While the Volunteers are at home, Cincinnati should be able to put some points on the board and if they can win the turnover battle, the Bearcats will come out of Knoxville with a "W" under their belt.

Cincinnati 38 Tennessee 31