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Ohio State Football: In-depth analysis of Cincinnati

By Peter Burtnett

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 03: Head Coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats takes the team onto the field before the game against the Navy Midshipmen at Nippert Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 03: Head Coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats takes the team onto the field before the game against the Navy Midshipmen at Nippert Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 29: Josiah Deguara #83 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball after a reception for a first quarter touchdown during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Nippert Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 29: Josiah Deguara #83 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball after a reception for a first quarter touchdown during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Nippert Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Luke Fickell returns to The Shoe this Saturday, leading his talented Cincinnati Bearcats into battle with Ohio State. Here’s an in-depth look at his team.

When Cincinnati (1-0, 24-14 win vs. UCLA) comes into Columbus this Saturday, expectations will be high for the Bearcats. Coming off of an “upset” win over UCLA, Fickell’s boys are hoping to raise that to the next level by beating Ohio State (1-0, 45-21 win vs. FAU).

For the Buckeyes, they will look to continue their incredible run against in-state opponents. Since 1921, the Buckeyes have only tied once and never lost against an in-state foe. To continue that run, they’ll have to be at their best against Cincinnati.

On offense, the Bearcats have a cohesive unit of a talented QB (Desmond Ridder), RB (Michael Warren II) and WRs, along with an impressive offensive line.

The Bearcats’ offensive line held UCLA to 1 sack, and Ridder put up impressive numbers, passing for 242 yards and 2 TDs. He did throw an interception inside the UCLA 10 that was returned 66 yards, but benefited from the INT coming right before the half.

RB Warren II rushed for 92 yards on 26 rushes, adding a rushing TD as well as being on the receiving end of a Ridder TD pass. Back-up RB Gerrid Doaks added 53 yards on the ground, while Ridder picked up an additional 34.

The receivers were led in yardage by sophomore Alec Pierce, who caught 2 passes for 59 yards. TE Josiah Deguara led the way in receptions with 4 (for 53 yards) and caught Ridder’s other TD pass.

Overall, the offense will go to Warren II often on the ground, but will certainly involve Ridder, who is accurate enough to win (18-26, 69% completion last Thursday) and has plenty of weapons for him to distribute the ball to.

Now for the other side of the ball.

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