Cincinnati Bearcats Football: Previewing the Syracuse Game

After a tough road loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Cincinnati Bearcats will have to rebound quickly and win their remaining two games to have any shot at winning their third conference title in four years.

Backup quarterback Munchie Legaux struggled mightily trying to fill in for Zach Collaros, and the Bearcats will need much more production out of him if they plan on winning on the road against Syracuse. 

Here is a preview of what to expect against the Orange on Saturday.

Offense: 

The Orange are middle of the pack on both sides of the ball and rank No. 68 in the country in offensive scoring, averaging 25.7 points per game. 

They run a balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Ryan Nassib. 

Nassib has thrown for 2,257 yards and 20 touchdowns to go along with only six interceptions. 

Receiver Alec Lemon has been his big target with 710 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Nick Provo has been one of the best in the Big East with 453 yards and six touchdowns on 43 receptions. 

Running back Antwon Bailey has rushed for 863 yards and six touchdowns on the season. 

The Bearcats should expect to get a steady balance of the run and the pass from the Orange.

Defense: 

Syracuse ranks 70th in the country in points against, allowing an average of 27.9 points per game.

In their three straight losses they have failed to hold an opponent under 27 points and have only held one opponent (Rhode Island) under 19 points all season. 

The Orange are led by junior safety Phillip Thomas, who already has six interceptions on the season in only 10 games.

Expect the Orange to key on the run and try to stop Isaiah Pead much like Rutgers did last week. 

Outcome: 

Without Collaros, this one will be much closer than it would have normally been. 

If Cincinnati can win the turnover battle they should be able to win on the road. If not, this one could be very close.

In the end, even without Collaros, Cincinnati will have too much for Syracuse in this one. 

Prediction: Cincinnati 23, Syracuse 17