Week 10: vs. UCF (TBD) – I’m really excited to see if the rivalry between the Bearcats and UCF will carry over into the Big 12. Three of the last four games have been decided by four points or less.
The Knights will be really interesting to watch play in the Big 12. Their offense is ready, but can they win those shootout games?
As for the Bearcats, can this roster do what it managed to do the last four years? Make UCF have to scrap and claw for yards and points. This game could go either way, but I’m going with my gut on this one.
Game pick: UCF 34 Bearcats 27 (Record: 5-4)
Week 11: @ Houston (TBD) – The Bearcats owned Houston from 2019-2021. Houston was 12-2 in 2021, but fell off to 8-5 last year. Like the Bearcats, I’m wondering what kind of team will they have this year.
I really want to pick the Bearcats to win this game, but it’s on the road. Clinching bowl eligibility will have to wait one more week.
Game pick: Houston 30 Bearcats 28 (Record: 5-5)
Week 12: @ West Virginia (TBD) – I’m so excited this rivalry is back. And for Bearcats fans, it’s the shortest trip within the conference.
West Virginia finished 4-8 in 2022, and they were the only team picked to finish below the Bearcats in the Big 12 preseason poll. I think it’s safe to say if there’s any road game the Bearcats are going to win, it’s this game.
Game pick: Bearcats 37 West Virginia 28 (Record: 6-5)
Week 13: vs. Kansas (TBD) – While Kansas was a feel-good story in 2022, they lost their last four games. Then again, they definitely were a fun team to watch last year, for they were in a lot of shootouts. Quarterback Jalon Daniels is the epicenter of their offense, leading the Jayhawks to top five finishes in every major statistical category. Daniels enters this season as the Big 12’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and there is optimism in Lawrence, Kansas for the first time in the Fall in a long time. In other words, everybody isn’t necessarily waiting for basketball season now. Fans have at least a competitive football team to support.
I think this could be a very big game for the Bearcats on Senior Day. Bowl eligibility could be on the line. Playing at home, I’ll pick the Bearcats. It won’t be easy, though.
Game pick: Bearcats 42 Kansas 31 (Record: 7-5)
