Cincinnati Bearcats
2010 record: 4-8 overall, 2-5 conference
2010 Bowl Game: N/A
2010 ATS: 4-8
2010 O/U: 5-7
Returning starters: 16 total (5 on offense, 11 on defense)
Over the month of August, our team of writers will be previewing the top teams heading into an exciting 2011 campaign. The college football handicappers at Maddux Sports are also preparing and have season-long packages readily available for clients. Let’s take a look at the second year of Butch Jones in Cincinnati.
Offense
Senior quarterback Zach Collaros was unanimously chosen as the All-Big East first team quarterback last year after throwing for 2,902 yards and 26 touchdowns. He led the conference in passing yardage and touchdowns, but also threw 14 interceptions.
Running back Isaiah Pead was fourth in the conference in rushing last year and will be the top returning back in terms of yardage this season. He ran for 1,029 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging an incredible 6.6 yards per carry.
Collaros will have a major weapon outside with the return of wide receiver DJ Woods, who earned All-Big East season team honors last year, finishing second in conference in receiving yards. He also came down with eight touchdown receptions.
The entire unit’s success is going to hinge on an offensive line that returns just two starters from a group that was trampled over last year. The group allowed 15 sacks in the first three games last season.
Cincinnati was the only Big East team to average better than 400 yards per game in 2010, finishing with 417.3 yards a contest.
Defense
The stop unit that ranked 68th in the country in scoring defense returns all 11 starters this year. Middle linebacker JK Schaffer is undoubtedly the leader on this side of the ball after tallying back-to-back 100 tackle seasons. He’s an all-league performer and will be leaned upon heavily.
Cincinnati ranked in the top half of the conference standings in rush defense, but looks to strengthen a secondary that was eighth in pass defense.
Just because the team returns all starters from the previous year doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, as it was scorched for 369 yards and 28 points per game.
Strengthening the secondary is a top priority during camp by ranking eighth in the Big East in pass defense, allowing 234 yards a game. The return of Dominique Battle is expected to help in the process, as he played just three games last year due to injury.
Special Teams
The Bearcats will have to replace the production of kicker Jake Rogers, who finished fourth on the Big East’s career list for points by a kicker.
Punting duties will be held by junior Pat O’Donnell, who averaged 41.9 yards a punt last year.
A strength for the squad will be the return game, as DJ Woods and Anthony McClung are among the best playmakers in the nation. Both have the potential to break a big return at any time.
Against the Spread
Lines makers caught up to the cash machine that Cincinnati turned into as a road underdog and made backers pay. The Bearcats were 0-4 ATS when getting points away from home last year. Watch the college football lines page closely for this situation during the 2011 campaign.
Bet On
Cincinnati has had no problems against South Florida, posting a 6-1 ATS mark overall and covering the number in three straight road games.
Fade Away
Be careful in the season finale when hosting Connecticut, as the team has failed to cover the number in three straight meetings.
