Cincinnati Bearcats Football: Previewing the Connecticut Game

It will all be on the line Saturday when the Cincinnati Bearcats play their regular season finale against Connecticut at historic Nippert Stadium. 

Cincinnati will be playing their first game at Nippert Stadium since September 22. 

A win would give Cincinnati their third Big East title in four seasons, and possibly propel them to the Orange Bowl. 

Connecticut is coming in after a big win against Rutgers, so Cincinnati will need to play a good game to win the conference title. 

Here is a preview of what to expect from Connecticut on Saturday. 

Offense: 

The Huskies oftentimes struggle to score points, averaging 24 points a game, which is only good for 83rd in the country. 

Quarterback Johnny McEntee has thrown for 1,858 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with seven interceptions. 

His main targets are wide receiver Kashif Moore, who has 557 yards and five touchdowns, and wide receiver Isiah Moore with 496 yards. 

Running back Lyle McCombs has been the most important offensive player for the Huskies. He has carried the ball 254 times for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also has 172 yards receiving and a touchdown. 

The Bearcats will need to focus on stopping the run if they plan on stepping the Connecticut offense. 

Defense: 

While the defense is not one of the top in the nation, the Huskies are much better on that side of the ball. 

They rank 45th in the country, allowing 23.4 points per game. 

The defense has only allowed over 35 points once this season but have consistently given up at least 20 points each conference game, with the exception of the 10 they allowed to South Florida.

Linebacker Jory Johnson is the leader on defense with 93 tackles including seven for loss. He also has two interceptions and two fumble recoveries on the season.

Cincinnati will need to limit their turnovers and control the ball to win this one.

Overall: 

Cincinnati will come into this game ready to play, and Connecticut will have to take their first punch and try to hang in there.

It will be senior day for a group that has been through a lot during their years in Cincinnati, including two conference championships.

Even without quarterback Zach Collaros, Cincinnati will be able to move the ball on the Huskies and if they can limit their turnovers, will win.  Then a conference championship should be no problem.

Prediction: Cincinnati 27 Connecticut 16