Cincinnati Bearcats Football: Previewing the South Florida Game

The Cincinnati Bearcats will take to the road for four of their final six games of the season. It all starts Saturday afternoon when they take on the South Florida Bulls. 

The Bulls have been reeling lately, with two straight losses starting conference play. They come in 4-2 overall with a win at Notre Dame to start off the season. 

South Florida seems to start strong every year but fades off when conference play begins. They will be at home in this one and are a three-point favorite over the Bearcats. 

Here is what to expect from the South Florida Bulls. 

Offense

The South Florida offense has been impressive in three games and virtually non-existent in the other three games. They scored 37, 70 and 52 points against the likes of Ball St, Florida International and UTEP, respectively. They were virtually non-existent, scoring 23, 17 and 10 against Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Connecticut. 

While they average nearly 35 points per game, it is hard to tell how good the offense really is. They are led by dual-threat quarterback B.J. Daniels, who has passed for 1,458 yards and eight touchdowns. He has also rushed for 322 yards and four touchdowns. 

The Bulls have a two-headed rushing attack of Darrell Scott, who has rushed for 482 yards and five touchdowns, along with Demetris Murray who has 295 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Sterling Griffin is the only receiver with more than 15 catches. He has 32 receptions for 420 yards and a touchdown.

Defense

The defense has been a strength for the Bulls. They currently rank No. 30 in the country in total defense, allowing 338 yards per game. They are 33rd in the country in points per game, allowing just over 21 PPG.

On the ground, South Florida is giving up 125 yards per game and 213 through the air, both ranking in the top 50 in the nation. Cincinnati will need a balanced offensive attack to put some points on the board against the Bulls. 

Linebacker Mike Lanaris leads the team with 47 tackles. Fellow linebacker DeDe Lattimore has also been impressive with 40 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and two sacks to go along with a forced fumble. Senior safety Jerrell Young is a leader in the secondary. 

The Bulls forced Notre Dame into five turnovers in the season opener, and Cincinnati will need to do a good job of protecting the ball.

Outcome

Cincinnati has forced 19 turnovers this season, which is good for fifth in the nation. While South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels has done a better job of protecting the ball this season with only three interceptions, the Cincinnati defense will look to force a few out of Daniels, who threw 13 interceptions last season.

The Cincinnati offense will need a few big plays down the field to put some points on the board and would benefit from a solid rushing attack from Isaiah Pead. 

Whoever wins the turnover battle will likely come out on top in this one.

Prediction: Cincinnati 27, South Florida 20