2006 Cincinnati Bearcats Football Preview

Welcome to Maddux's 2006 Cincinnati Bearcats season preview. As usual we have taken the time to break down the team, while providing information about the university, and the 2006 Cincinnati Bearcats Football Schedule. If you are wagering on college football this season consider using Maddux Sports' College football picks for the added edge over the sportsbooks in 2006. In addition be sure to bookmark our free college football odds line service for the upcoming season.

Coach: Mark Dantonio (3rd year at Cincinnati)
Team Name: Bearcats
2005 Overall Record: 4-7
2005 Big East Conference Record 2-5
Returning Starters: 17

Last season the Bearcats could not score (17.5 PPG), nor could they stop other teams from scoring (31.4 PPG). Three of their 4 victories were by 6 points or less. All of their loses were by double digits.

Improvement is needed just about everywhere, including QB where freshman Dustin Grutza threw 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. To be fair, his line didn’t help much. This season the offensive front includes two sound junior college transfers and three returning starters—things should improve.

Speedy freshman Derrick Stewart at wide receiver should help in this area. The Bearcats possess three solid runners, including junior TB Bradley Glatthaar (139 CARR, 620 YDS, 7 TDs). Look for good things from talented tight end Brent Celek (32 REC, 361 YDS, 3 TDs).

Ten starters are back on “D.” Free safety Haruki Nakamura (76 tackles, 2 INTS) brought the most to the table last year. The secondary looks tight for 2006, with sophomore Mike Mickens expected to be a standout at cornerback.

On the line, Terrill Byrd will provide sound leadership to a unit that lost standout defensive end Adam Roberts.

Last year was bumpy and this year could be tough. But the Bearcats have recruited well, amassing some excellent players. Leadership roles are defined and despite the fact that Cincinnati may win 2 to 4 games this season, the Bearcats are looking towards a better future.

Cincinnati Bearcats 2006 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	Eastern Kentucky	Home
Sep 8	Pittsburgh	Home
Sep 16	Ohio State	Road
Sep 23	Virginia Tech	Road
Sep 30	Miami Ohio	Home
Oct 7	Akron	Home
Oct 14	Louisville	Road
Oct 21	South Florida	Home
Oct 28	Syracuse	Home
Nov 11	West Virginia	Road
Nov 16	Rutgers	Home
Nov 25	Connecticut	Road

For more data on the 2006 Cincinnati football program, view the Bearcats team website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the Big East competition.