Now for the Bearcats, It starts with the quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder and the team knows what is at sake and they want to make a statement. Ridder and the Bearcats can’t come out to a slow start like they did at Indiana, as the fans play a huge role in getting loud at that stadium. I expect Ridder to try and find some ways early to get going with the amount of weapons he has I expect him to look for the Notre Dame transfer Michael Young, Jr., Tyler Scott or Alec Pierce early. The key for the Bearcats is to keep Ridder as comfortable as possible and let him go to work as he can beat you in the air and on the ground.
Myjai Sanders– Sanders will be a big impact on the Bearcats defensive line as the Irish have some injuries up front on the offensive line, expect Myjai to bring the pressure and put Jack Coan in some very tough positions. Expect a huge day from the defensive end as he is continuing to show why he is one of the top defensive edges in college football.
The Bearcats secondary will also play a big role as you know Coan will take some shots especially to Mayer in the flat, guys like Coby Bryant and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner will have some big time match ups. The Bearcats secondary tandem is arguably one of the best in the country are coming off a game where they held a Biletnikoff semifinalist from 2020 in Ty Fryfogle to just one catch for 13 yards. The Bearcats secondary is looking to prove to many people on the national stage why they are arguably one of the best in the country.
Lastly Jerome Ford, Ford has had a big start to his junior season as the former four star recruit is taken advantage of being the lead back after transferring to Cincinnati from Alabama. Ford is averaging 6.0 yards per carry through the first four games of the season, leads the Bearcats with six touchdowns and 300 rushing yards. I expect Ford to have another big day coming off a two touchdown performance versus Indiana, he is looking to draw heads as a top threat for the Bearcats.
Overall, I expect this game to be a low scoring game I will say 27-21 favoring the Bearcats. The injuries up front for the Irish will lead to a lot of opportunities for the Bearcats to create some pressure and force turnovers. The Bearcats offense has to come out quick though and not wait until the 2nd half like they did at Indiana. I will say this is arguably the biggest game in program history and I expect the Bearcats to come in and make the most of the opportunity they are presented. A banged up quarterback with a defense as good as the Bearcats I expect to see some pressure on Coan and the Bearcats get some turnovers. Overall, this game has been circled on the schedule for months as the Bearcats want to make a statement to not only the football committee, but they want to take the opportunity and hopefully pull out a big win against their former coaches.
