When the Bearcats inaugural Big 12 schedule came out, what stood out the most was how advantageous it looked. No Texas, no TCU, no Kansas State, no Texas Tech and Oklahoma at home. Yeah, it sure looked nice.
But that’s just one thing. It’s another to actually take advantage of it, but it looks like that’s what the Bearcats are doing.
Here’s where the Bearcats are at: they’re 2-0. That was not a realistic possibility heading into the season, at least I felt like. Pittsburgh was everything the Bearcats weren’t, key word weren’t. But the Bearcats showed their mettle and out-physicaled and muscled their way to a 27-21 victory.
And beating Pittsburgh, answering all those questions in doing so, has given the Bearcats a cushion. A greater margin for error.
Look, if your expectations are for this Bearcats team is for them to just make a bowl game, you have to be feeling good about this team. Think about it: this team has already passed their first test of the season, is better than expected and not only that, they can be dadgum good, man.
What did we say coming into this season? We knew the defense was going to give the Bearcats a chance in every game. We were concerned about the offense. How would Emory Jones look? Would the new-look receiving corps be able to catch the ball? Would the offensive line be able to hold up? So far through two games, you have to be feeling really good about this team. Can this team find four wins in their last 10 games? I think so.
Looking at Miami (OH)
Don’t be fooled by their stellar performance at UMass last weekend. This Miami team has had a tale of two games, and we’ll find out which game is a clear indicator of who they are in the Battle for the Victory Bell. Outside of wide receiver Gage Larvadain, Miami doesn’t have a pass catcher with more than two catches or 38 yards. Running back Rashod Amos had 115 yards rushing last week against UMass, but that’s over 75 percent of his total rushing yards for the season. Quarterback Brett Gabbert has a lot of experience, but he’s struggled in three starts against Cincinnati. On the defensive side, the RedHawks have given up 300 yards or more in each of the first two games. Only two players have 10 or more tackles, and Miami has just seven sacks through two games.
To me this game is about the Bearcats keeping their foot on the gas. Don’t let up. Keep putting yourself in as optimal position as possible for success in your first Big 12 season.
Game pick: Bearcats 45 Miami (OH) 14
