Know Your Opponent: No. 8 Cincinnati Bearcats

Written by Matt Smith

Head Coach: Luke Fickell

Overall: 5th season, 37-14 

Bowl Appearances at Cincinnati: 3

2020 Record: 9-1 (6-0 in the American Athletic Conference)

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 16

Mascot: The Bearcat

Colors: Black, Red, and White

Outfitter: Under Armour 

National Titles: 0

Conference Titles: 15

Heisman Winners: 0

2021 Record: 0

Last Week: 42-7 vs Murray State

Statistical Leaders

Passing: Desmond Ridder (34-47 passing (72.3%) 538 yards, 6 TDs, 1INT)

Rushing: Jerome Ford (30 rushes, 234 yards, 7.8 ypc, 4 TDs)

Receiving: Tyler Scott (5 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TDS)

Tacklers: Deshawn Pace (15 tackles, 1 TFL)

Stat of the Week: Cincinnati is the number 8 team in the country according to the AP Poll.

Cincinnati Talking Points

Ridder’s Excellent Play

Desmond Ridder had a breakthrough season last year leading the Bearcats to an undefeated regular season. Ridder spent some time with Michael Penix at the Manning Passing academy as well. The Hoosiers’ defense will have a hard time controlling Ridder as he has already gotten back to a hot start this season throwing for almost 600 yards. Last season, Ridder was the leading passer and rusher on the team.

Group of 5 Team in the College Football Playoff

So far this year, the Bearcats have shown once again they are the Group of 5 conferences best chance to get into the college football playoff. Cincinnati must go undefeated in order to even have a chance to make the playoffs which makes the game against the Hoosiers a must win for both sides.

Can the Bearcats get off to a fast start?

Last week against Murray State the Bears cats got off to a slow start only scoring seven points even though the defense forced three interceptions. The Bearcats defense only let up 16.8 points per game last season. If the Bearcats can get off to a hot start to begin the game it will be very difficult for the IU struggling offense to catch up.