The Cincinnati Bearcats' 2010 football season kicks off in just over one month. The two-time reigning Big East Champions will try to silence their critics after losing head coach Brian Kelly to Notre Dame shortly before last season's Sugar Bowl and the graduation of star quarterback Tony Pike.
Here is a look at the imposing schedule the 'Cats face this season.
| September 4, 2010 | at Fresno State | .gif) |
The Cincinnati Bearcats open on the road for the second straight year, this time on the West Coast as they take on the Fresno State Bulldogs on September 4, 2010. The Bulldogs finished last season 8-5 and 6-2 in the WAC. They lost to Wyoming in double overtime of the New Mexico Bowl last year.
The Bulldogs gave the 'Cats and their undefeated season a scare last year when UC finally topped them 28-20 at Nippert Stadium.
However, this early contest looks to be a potentially easier contest for the Bearcats this season. Last year, the Bulldogs sported one of the nation's best running games, led by sophomore running back Ryan Mathews. Mathews, however, left for the NFL after last season. The Bulldog offense simply isn't as imposing without Mathews in the backfield.
| September 11, 2010 | vs. Indiana State |  |
If you are a fan of big scores and lopsided victories, the Bearcats' home opener against the Indiana State Sycamores is the game you'll want to get tickets for. The Sycamores come into Nippert on September 11 after finishing the 2009 campaign 1-10. Remember last season's 70-3 trouncing of Southeast Missouri State? Yeah, this came could be that bad.
| September 16, 2010 | at North Carolina State |  |
The Bearcats' first nationally televised game (ESPN) of the season comes on Thursday night, September 16 at NC State. Yes, the Wolfpack were only 5-7 this year, but a road contest at a major conference school is never a game to overlook.
The 'Pack were 5-3 at home last year and beat UC's Big East rival Pittsburgh. NC State returns the majority of an offense that averaged 30 points a game last season. Question marks in Cincinnati's defense for this season make it tough to judge how this will impact the 'Cats.
However, NC State's porous defense is largely the same as last year as well. The Wolfpack gave up nearly 32 points per game last season. One known quantity for UC is its offense and there is little question that the 'Cats will be able to put a great deal of points on the board for a big t.v. audience.
| September 25, 2010 | vs. Oklahoma (Paul Brown Stadium) |  |
The game. Cincinnati's "home" (Paul Brown Stadium) game against Oklahoma on September 25 has likely been marked on the calendar of Butch Jones since he was hired last winter. This game is the first significant test for the Bearcats and is also the first chance for UC to prove that they are still a national power without Brian Kelly, Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard.
Despite Oklahoma's name recognition, the Bearcats and Sooners are evenly matched. Both find themselves between the 10 and 20 slot in pre-season polls. Oklahoma has a great running game, so the Bearcats' defense - improved or not - will be tested mightily. If UC can play tough against the run, they have the edge. If not, they may have to try to turn this into a shootout.
The unknown - just how many Bearcats fan will pack into PBS? And how will Oklahoma travel? A win here and UC likely vaults itself into the Top 10.
| October 9, 2010 | vs. Miami (OH) |  |
After a bye week, the Bearcats face rival Miami University at Nippert Stadium in the battle for the Victory Bell. UC looks to score a fifth straight victory against the Redhawks in their final non-conference game, and nothing seems to be standing in their way.
| October 15, 2010 | at Louisville* |  |
The Bearcats' first conference game comes on the road against hated Louisville on October 15. Once upon a time (2 years ago?), a win over Louisville would have been a marquee win for Cincinnati. These days, a loss would be devastating.
This game is Cincinnati's second nationally televised game and falls on Friday night. The Cardinals are under the direction this year of former Florida Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong. Strong alone may turn the tide in Louisville, but his stellar recruiting abilities haven't yet had time to take hold. While the Cards may be better than their 1-6 conference mark last season, they won't be good enough to stand up to UC.
| October 22, 2010 | vs. South Florida* |  |
The Bearcats have yet another nationally televised Friday night game when they meet the South Florida Bulls in their home conference opener. USF was a solid team last season, but they lost a lot of talent on defense. Sophomore quarterback B.J. Daniels played most of last season in place of the injured Matt Grothe and should do well for the Bulls' offense. However, USF shouldn't pose much of a threat to Cincinnati at home.
| October 30, 2010 | vs. Syracuse* |  |
The Bearcats' 2010 Homecoming game this season is against the Syracuse Orange. The result here should be lopsided. The Orange have done very little to improve upon their 4 win team that went 1-6 in conference last season. The Bearcats should roll.
| November 13, 2010 | at West Virginia* |  |
This game will pose a huge challenge for Cincinnati (at least as big as Oklahoma). The Mountaineers return Noel Devine and Jock Sanders, two of the most talented players in the Big East. Playing in Morgantown is always tough. The Bearcats will need solid play all around to escape with a win.
| November 20, 2010 | vs. Rutgers* |  |
The Bearcats opened last season with a blowout win at Rutgers. During that game, Scarlet Knight fans were rabid, demanding that freshman quarterback Tom Savage enter the game. He did. And he helped Rutgers finish the season 9-4 with a bowl win.
Savage returns this year to lead a very talented team. Coming off of the WVU game and looking forward to a road contest at UConn, the Bearcats had better not over look the Knights.
| November 27, 2010 | at Connecticut* |  |
UConn nearly ruined the Bearcats' season at Nippert late last year, finally falling to UC 47-45. The Huskies' return most of the team that ran all over Cincinnati a season ago. Running back Jordan Todman is back after rushing for nearly 1200 yards last season. Hopefully the Bearcats can contain him better than they did last year.
| December 4, 2010 | vs. Pittsburgh | .gif) |
No Bearcats fan will forget the season finale last season at Pittsburgh. The Big East Championship was on the line and the Bearcats completed a three touchdown comeback with a last minute touchdown pass to Armon Binns. The win brought UC its second straight Big East Championship and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. (It also brought UC within 1 second of a National Championship Game berth against Alabama. Thanks a lot, Texas.)
There is an excellent chance that this year's season finale will also determine the Big East Championship. Pitt is stacked, once again, led by All-American running back Dion Lewis and stud wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin.
Could a thrilling finish again this year hand Cincinnati its third straight Big East title?
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Click here for National College Football Examiner Kevin McGuire's complete 2010 Big East preview.
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