Through five weeks, I like what I see from the Bearcats. The offense looks like an offense that can compete in the Big 12. There’s creativity. There’s a commitment to running the football. But again, what is all of that leading to? Of late, three straight losses, including two in Big 12 play.
This team reminds me of the 2019 Bengals. First season under a new head coach, an offensive-minded head coach at that. In particular, remember that season-opener at Seattle? Andy Dalton looking so good in Zac Taylor’s offense (he threw for 412 yards that day), John Ross (remember him?) finally looking like a top 10 draft pick. A lot to like, a lot of potential, but the Bengals lost the game by a point. Why? Because when push came to shove, the Bengals had three drives in Seattle territory in the second half end with no points. A lot of activity put on display, but all it achieved was a one-point loss.
When the Bearcats beat Pittsburgh in week two, I said that we, as Bearcats fans, should raise our expectations. The thought was the Bearcats would for sure beat Miami, hopefully be competitive against Oklahoma and maybe steal a win at BYU.
Nothing has gone according to that hopeful plan. Yes, the Bearcats were competitive against Oklahoma. But that game against Miami was one they could not afford to lose, and the loss at BYU is frustrating because of how good they looked offensively. But again, when it came to achievement, the Bearcats fell short.
This Bearcats offense is markedly better than last year, and this year they’re doing it against Big 12 defenses. Say what you will about Big 12 defenses, but these are Power Five defenses. And this year, the Bearcats have over 100 more offensive yards per game and over 90 more rushing yards per game. In fact, their 490 yards per game ranks 13th in all of college football, while their 220.2 rushing yards per game ranks 11th in college football.
Both those rankings are impressive. But this is the first time the Bearcats have a losing record at the end of September since 2017. It’s also the first time the Bearcats have lost three straight games since 2017. Again, I really like what I’m seeing from this Bearcats team. But that activity, at least right now, has the Bearcats at their bye week with a losing record. That’s not a good achievement.
