After sixteen years, these two teams will finally settle their two-game contract, even though they’ve played since. Ohio State won the first of the two games — and in fact — they’ve won the last ten straight.
Is it time for an upset?
Well, let’s hope it doesn’t happen, but there are a few reasons to believe the Cincinnati Bearcats could give Ohio State fits. After all, both of these teams won double-digit games last season and will returning numerous starters. Luke Fickell brings in a veteran team that’s been through the wars.
While the Buckeyes should be able to down the Bearcats before the fourth quarter even starts, if the last three quarters against Florida Atlantic proved anything, it’s that this Buckeyes team needs to own the moment and leave no question.
That may be easier said than done though. That said, let’s dive into three reasons this game could make it into the white-knuckler category.
Next … The running game is formidable
No. 1 – Cincinnati can ground and pound
The Bearcats want to play their style of football.
They want to ground the ball into Ohio State’s defensive line all game long. In their home opener against UCLA, the Bearcats starting back Michael Warren totaled over 25 touches directly from the backfield.
Warren had as many touches as UC’s quarterback had attempts. Which, come to think of it, is absolutely insane. Overall, the team ran the ball 36 times, notching over 175 yards on the ground.
The Buckeyes have a much more dangerous front four than UCLA, but if they can’t contain Warren, the Bearcats are going to own the clock. Even though Cincinnati likes to spread it out and go, it can play with deliberate purpose as well.
If that’s the case, the Bearcats would also be keeping Justin Fields, who displayed his explosiveness with a 50-plus yard touchdown run last week, on the sidelines. No, this game may not be a shootout, and if it’s not, that’ll favor the Bearcats.
If Cincy can get through a stout defensive front from Ohio State, expect this game to be more of a Donnybrook than many expect.
Next … Preparation is key
No. 2 – Luke Fickell will be prepared
Having a coach that understands the atmosphere of all that goes with coming into the ‘Shoe against that team and can prepare his players for all that’s involved.
A former Ohio State coordinator and interim head coach, Fickell won’t be thrown off by the 100,000-plus that may show up for the inner-state matchup.
“Bearcats’ coach Luke Fickell repeatedly used the word opportunity to describe this weekend’s matchup,” Fletcher Page, a columnist for Cincinnati Enquirer wrote.
The Buckeye defensive mastermind until after 2016, Fickell will be working on a scheme to stop Justin Fields, who who can be equally as dangerous with his legs as his ability to throw it downfield. However, the team’s offense did showcase a few flaws, most notable in the second half when struggled to get anything going.
Fickell will learn from that, and he and the staff will look to exploit the weaknesses. He will be prepared, and he won’t be rattled like some other squads that have come to the Banks of the Olentangy to leave with bumps, bruises, and dashed egos.
Next … The D
No. 3 – Defense travels
The Bearcats gave up just 14 points to UCLA, a team projected in the bottom half of the Pac-12 but a team with former offensive genius Chip Kelley calling the shots. They forced quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson into two interceptions.
Could Cincinnati do something similar to Justin Fields?
While the former five-star quarterback proved last week that he can shred defenses in multiple ways, if Fickell limits his running, can he go through his progressions in a new offense and sling it around the yard?
Fields had four passing touchdowns and just over 230 yards through the air. Things bogged down in the second half. Even the Bearcats Desmond Ridder threw for more and the Bearcats put up three fewer touchdowns.
Cincinnati, in its second year under Luke Fickell, allowed over 30 points just twice last season, winning one of those games. It doesn’t have the nation’s best or most intimidating defense around, but it’s certainly more capable than Florida Atlantic.
If the Bearcats can hold the Buckeyes under 30, they’ll have a chance.
