Ohio State Football: In-depth analysis of Cincinnati
On defense, Cincinnati is a real threat, holding UCLA (albeit 3-9 in 2018) to only 14 points. Even with the poor record and low expectations, any offense coached by Chip Kelly is difficult to defend against.
The Bearcats proved they can do just that, pressuring UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson the entire game, recovering two (unforced) fumbles and forcing two interceptions. Thompson-Robinson also only threw for 156 yards and was sacked twice.
Often, when a team is limited in the passing game they find some semblance of a running game. However, Cincinnati’s front seven limited UCLA to only 62 yards on the ground.
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Leading tackler Darrick Forest (Junior Safety) limited the Bruins’ ability to move the ball, racking up nine total tackles. Senior LB Bryan Wright also played well, recording seven total tackles and a pass deflection. As the leader of this defense, watch out for Wright to go all out against Ohio State and cause trouble for Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins.
On special teams, Cincinnati kicker Sam Crosa was 1-2 on FGs (Made: 44 yards, Missed: 32) and 3-3 on EXP. Punter James Smith punted 4 times for 180 yards, and the Bearcats limited both kick and punt returns to a total of only 12 yards on 3 attempted returns, while Cincinnati returned one kick-off for 28 yards, and one punt for 25 yards.
Overall, Cincinnati is driven by their defense, and should be up to the task against the Buckeyes. I do not expect them to be at all overwhelmed playing in The Shoe, as Luke Fickell has plenty of experience with the loudness of Ohio Stadium and will have his players ready to face the noise against Ohio State.
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The Bearcats will be up for the challenge, it’s just a matter of whether the Buckeyes play “down” to their opponent or take Cincinnati for real and play their best game. If they don’t, they could be in for an abnormal in-state upset.