CFB: Previewing Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Miami Redhawks

After a big win on Thursday against North Carolina State, the Bearcats had 10 days to prepare for their yearly battle against in-state rival Miami. Cincinnati looks to hold on to the coveted Victory Bell for the sixth straight season. 

The rivalry is the oldest non-conference rivalry in the country as these two teams meet for the 116th time with Miami leading the all-time series 59-49-7. With a win, Cincinnati would have the longest winning streak in the rivalry.

The Bearcats lost their only road game this season against Tennessee and need to prove they can win on the road heading into conference play in two weeks. 

Here is a breakdown of what to expect from the Miami Redhawks on Saturday. 

Offense

Miami comes into the game 0-3, having played a tough schedule. The offense has struggled all season, beginning with a 17-6 loss on the road against Missouri.

They have scored 23 points in each of their past two games, both losses to Minnesota and Bowling Green, respectively. 

Wide receiver Nick Harwell is a deep play threat for the Redhawks with 301 yards and 20 receptions in only three games. 

Quarterback Zac Dysert has completed 62 percent of his passes for 784 yards, but only has two touchdowns with four interceptions. 

Miami's Erik Finklea has rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns. 

Miami is 105th in the country at 17.3 points per game and will need to put up much more than that to hang with Cincinnati.

Defense

After holding the Missouri offense to only 17 points on the road, Miami has struggled mightily on defense in recent weeks. They followed that up by allowing 29 points to Minnesota. Things got worse last week when Bowling Green scored 37 on them.

If Miami doesn't improve, they will have a hard time holding Cincinnati under 40 points. The Bearcats come into the game averaging 49.5 points per game, 4th in the nation.

Miami will need to stop the Bearcats rushing attack if they want to hold Cincinnati in check. 

Outcome

Miami gives up nearly 28 points per game and if they can force a few turnovers and hold Cincinnati under 30, they may have a chance to hang around in this one.

Chances are that will not happen. If the Bearcats play anything like they have at home all season, they will dominate from start to finish and be able to rest their starters in the second half.

Prediction: Cincinnati 52, Miami 17