We caught up with Bearcatreport.com publisher Marc Givler and asked him 5 questions about the game.
1. Cincinnati's defense is ranked 122nd in the nation, how concerning is that going into conference play?[/B]
Givler- Very concerning. This was a defense that was pretty highly rated last season but the interior of the defensive line has had severe issues stopping the run and things have kind of snowballed from there. If UC wants to back up its pre-season ranking as the league's favorite, this side of the football is going to have to get much better.
2. Quarterback Gunner Keil has been impressive this year, who else should Memphis fans watch for on offense?[/B]
Givler- Kiel is surrounded by several playmakers at the wide receiver position as the Bearcats can go up to eight deep here. Chris Moore is coming off a huge game against Ohio State, Shaq Washington is a dangerous player out of the slot and Mekale McKay is probably the best pro prospect of the group.
3. Has playing at Paul Brown Stadium lost some of the fan intimidation on opposing teams like Nippert Stadium had?[/B]
Givler- Nippert provides a better home atmosphere, no doubt about it. It's smaller and the way its setup makes for a louder venue.
4. Coach Tubberville is now in his 2nd season at Cincy, how has Cincy changed under his leadership?[/B]
Givler- Cincinnati has had a pretty darn good run of coaches over the last decade with guys like Mark Dantonio, Brian Kelly, and Butch Jones. I think it's more fair to say that Tuberville has just kept that ball rolling. He has brought a lot of speed into the program on both sides of the ball.
5. How do you see this game playing out and what's your prediction for the game?[/B]
Memphis is playing excellent football right now so this game should be concerning for UC and you have to wonder how they will bounce back from the tough loss on Saturday to Ohio State which was the game they all had circled from day one. A loss like Saturday will either lead to a big letdown or will fuel the fire. You would think it would serve as a motivational tool this early in the season with a lot still to play for. I think UC's offense can make enough plays to squeak out a close one, probably a high scoring game, something in the 30's.
1. Cincinnati's defense is ranked 122nd in the nation, how concerning is that going into conference play?[/B]
Givler- Very concerning. This was a defense that was pretty highly rated last season but the interior of the defensive line has had severe issues stopping the run and things have kind of snowballed from there. If UC wants to back up its pre-season ranking as the league's favorite, this side of the football is going to have to get much better.
2. Quarterback Gunner Keil has been impressive this year, who else should Memphis fans watch for on offense?[/B]
Givler- Kiel is surrounded by several playmakers at the wide receiver position as the Bearcats can go up to eight deep here. Chris Moore is coming off a huge game against Ohio State, Shaq Washington is a dangerous player out of the slot and Mekale McKay is probably the best pro prospect of the group.
3. Has playing at Paul Brown Stadium lost some of the fan intimidation on opposing teams like Nippert Stadium had?[/B]
Givler- Nippert provides a better home atmosphere, no doubt about it. It's smaller and the way its setup makes for a louder venue.
4. Coach Tubberville is now in his 2nd season at Cincy, how has Cincy changed under his leadership?[/B]
Givler- Cincinnati has had a pretty darn good run of coaches over the last decade with guys like Mark Dantonio, Brian Kelly, and Butch Jones. I think it's more fair to say that Tuberville has just kept that ball rolling. He has brought a lot of speed into the program on both sides of the ball.
5. How do you see this game playing out and what's your prediction for the game?[/B]
Memphis is playing excellent football right now so this game should be concerning for UC and you have to wonder how they will bounce back from the tough loss on Saturday to Ohio State which was the game they all had circled from day one. A loss like Saturday will either lead to a big letdown or will fuel the fire. You would think it would serve as a motivational tool this early in the season with a lot still to play for. I think UC's offense can make enough plays to squeak out a close one, probably a high scoring game, something in the 30's.
