Keys to the game
The Bearcats have to find a way to capitalize in the red zone, obviously that has been a huge struggle over the last two games. The Bearcats have gone 15 straight possessions without a touchdown dating back to the Miami game. Now the Bearcats enter this matchup 16th in the country in total offense so it shows they are moving the ball, however, they have just been unable to captilize on their opportunities in the red zone when they have them.
The Bearcats will need to make every opportunity count on offense, especially coming off a game where they saw Oklahoma push the tempo and wear the defense down. Especially with the elevation level of the mountains, the Bearcats will need to find ways to rotate the offense and defense consistently and stay fresh on both sides of the ball.
The Bearcats know they will have to find ways to keep Emory Jones protected as well. We saw what he was able to do in the first two games when he was able to get the passing game going early. However, that has been something that has struggled since the Pittsburgh game, as Jones has thrown zero touchdowns and four interceptions in the last two games, compared to the seven touchdowns and one interception ration he had throughout the first two games of the season.
If Jones can find a way to get the ball out and flowing early with guys like Xzavier Henderson, Braden Smith, Dee Wiggins, and the tight end group of Chamon Mateyer and Payton Singletary, the Bearcats are in great hands. However, Mateyer is coming off a huge weekend vs Oklahoma finishing with three catches for 52 yards in the Bearcats 20-6 loss. Mateyer is a huge mismatch for opposing teams with his size and frame, at 6’6″ 250 pounds has also reached a max speed of 20 mph in the open field. If Jones can find a way to get Mateyer and Singletary going along with the passing game, the Bearcats offense should be in great hands come Friday night.
The Bearcats kick off vs BYU at 10:15 ET on ESPN so for Bearcats looking for a relaxing Friday night, I think you know where to find the Bearcats after a long work week.
