Now heading into the match, I expect the RedHawks to try to test the run game early versus the Bearcats heading into this one, as redshirt freshman Aveon Smith is facing his biggest challenge yet, that is a very tough, physical Bearcats defense and the RedHawks know what this Bearcats team brings to the table and have a battle on their hands in the trenches. Look for the RedHawks to give the ball to Jaylon Bester and Tyre Shelton very frequently to start, to open up the passing game to get Mac Hippenhammer involved, Hippenhammer leads the team in receiving as he has 11 catches for 137 yards, two touchdowns on the season and is the key player to keep an eye on for the RedHawks on offense.
The Bearcats defense is highlighted by guys like Ivan Pace who has 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The Bearcats defense has also been led by the veteran group up front between guys like Jowon Briggs, Jabari Taylor, as well as senior defensive backs Ja’von Hicks and Arquon Bush. Expect this Bearcats defense to give the RedHawks a lot of trouble and create some turnovers like they did versus Kennesaw State.
My Prediction– I expect the Bearcats to win 49-10 behind a strong performance from Ben Bryant, like we saw last week versus Kennesaw State. Look for the Bearcats to open up the run game as well on Saturday as Miami has had on of the top defenses in the country and have been known to make you pay on turnovers once they get down in red-zone territory, so the key for this one is to play complimentary football like coach Fickell preaches and make sure they capitalize on all aspects of the game. Look for Charles McClelland and Corey Kiner to have big games in the back field as the Bearcats will look to bring home the Victory Bell for the 16th straight season, as they look to take their first series lead dating back to 1915.
Kickoff is set for 12 pm this Saturday at Paycor Stadium, and fans are encouraged to arrive early due to the events taking place downtown surrounding the city’s annual Octoberfest, as well as game day traffic.
