Miami Defense– The RedHawks return a very experienced defense led by junior defensive end Caidan Woullard, who currently leads the RedHawks in sacks (1.5), and tackles for loss (1.5). A name to keep an eye on in the RedHawks secondary is defensive back Michael Dowell at the nickel position. Dowell, leads the team with two interceptions and six tackles on the season.
However, the RedHawks defense will have a battle on their hand come Saturday vs. a Bearcats offensive line that has started to really gel together up front in the trenches after dominating the line of scrimmage on Saturday night vs. Pittsburgh. Look for the Redhawks to find some ways to really change things up and create some pressure for the Bearcats.
Keys for the Bearcats
Keys for the Bearcats come Saturday, stay locked in and let the running game continue to be a strong suit up front. Bearcats running back Corey Kiner is off to a fantastic start to his junior season after a career day vs. Pittsburgh where he finished 153 yards on 20 carries, including a seven-yard touchdown run in the Bearcats 27-21 victory.
The Bearcats defense held Pitt quarterback Phil Jurkovec to just 10-of-32 passing in Week 2, but really emphasized the play of the defensive line as Dontay Corleone, Jowon Briggs, Malik Vann, really did a great job winning their assignments, which allowed other guys to step in and get to the quarterback. The Bearcats defensive front finished with five sacks in the victory over Pittsburgh and will be a huge emphasis heading into Miami. The Bearcats know Gabbert will be looking for Larvadain when they can, so they have to find ways to bring the pressure and eliminate him as everyone saw what he has been able to do with the ball in his hands after last week’s career performance vs UMass.
Can the Bearcats continue to come out firing like we have seen in the first two weeks vs EKU and Pittsburgh? Emory Jones and the Bearcats have rattled together quick starts in the teams first two games, but can they continue to do it on Saturday in the teams annual Nipp at Night contest come Saturday. The Bearcats know the importance of striking first in these rivalry matchups, but the one thing they are trying to avoid, is a repeat of last year after finding themselves trailing by as much as 10 early in the game.
The Bearcats will wrap up their non-conference slate this Saturday vs the RedHawks, with kickoff set for 7 pm at Historic Nippert Stadium.
