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The Cincinnati Bearcats (3-3) play host to the Connecticut Huskies (3-4) this week at Nippert Stadium. Check out the Cincinnati vs. Connecticut prediction and game preview.

Cincinnati vs. Connecticut Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 24
Game Time: 4:30 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

Neither Cincinnati nor Connecticut is in the upper tier of the American this season, but both want to grab one of the league’s automatic bowl berths. And this week’s game at Nippert Stadium could go a long way toward eligibility. Both teams are coming off losses in games they could have won, the Bearcats to BYU and the Huskies to South Florida.

Why Connecticut Will Win

The Husky defense has kept the program competitive throughout the season. Connecticut is especially solid in the back seven, led by DBs Andrew Adams and Jhavon Williams, leading the American in pass defense. And that’s a potential stumbling block for a Cincinnati offense that requires balance to be successful.

Why Cincinnati Will Win

Connecticut can’t score enough to keep pace with the Bearcats. Cincy is averaging more than 36 points a game, despite using two quarterbacks, Gunner Kiel and Hayden Moore, this fall. And in stark contrast to the Huskies, who are one-dimensional and impotent, Cincinnati remains diverse and potent at the skill positions.

Player Who Matters

UConn gained 528 yards last week, yet scored only 20 points. That’s an efficiency problem partly due to the line’s inability to keep the pocket clean. The Huskies have allowed 26 sacks this season, which ought to provide chances for Cincy linemen Silverberry Mouhon, Cortez Broughton and Alex Pace to flush Bryant Shirreffs from the pocket.

What’s Going To Happen?

As long as Connecticut struggles to score touchdowns and sustain drives, it won’t defeat decent opponents, especially on the road. Whether it’s Kiel or Moore taking snaps, Cincinnati will have too much firepower for a Husky team with limited offensive options.

Cincinnati vs. Connecticut Prediction

Final Score: Cincinnati 31, Connecticut 21, Line: Cincinnati -12.5, o/u: 57.5
Must See Rating: 5: Bridge of Spies – 1: Rock The Kasbah … 1.5

MORE: Bold Midseason College Football Predictions