Cincinnati Football: Bearcats Enjoy Bye Week in Anticipation of Conference Play

After a 4-1 non-conference record the Bearcats get a chance to enjoy an off week before conference play begins next weekend against Louisville at Paul Brown Stadium.

While the Bearcats looked bad in their lone loss to Tennessee and a little sloppy against Miami (OH) last weekend, for the most part, they had a rather successful non-conference slate. 

With four wins, they have already reached their total from all of last season. The early season success can be attributed to a more balanced offensive attack, an improved defense and leading the nation is turnovers forced. 

Head coach Butch Jones promised he would put more of an emphasis on the run and last season he did not live up to that promise. So far this season he has.

The Bearcats have thrown 141 passes and ran the ball 206 times on offense. They are averaging nearly eight yards per pass attempt and 5.4 yards per carry. 

A three-headed monster at receiver (Anthony McClung, D.J. Woods and Kenbrell Thompkins) lead a strong, balanced passing attack. All three receivers have between 249 and 281 yards. 

On defense, the Bearcats have forced 18 turnovers, good for first in the country. They have totaled nine interceptions and recovered nine fumbles. 

The defense is also in the Top 20 in the country, allowing less than 17 points per game.

The key on defense has been getting more consistent pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run. Cincinnati has held its last two opponents to negative rushing yards and is seventh in the country, allowing only 70 rushing yards per game.  

While the good start is something to build on, none of it will matter if Cincinnati does not have a strong showing in conference play.

It all starts next weekend against the Louisville Cardinals.