Cincinnati vs. UConn Prediction, Game Preview


Cincinnati vs. UConn prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Bearcats and Huskies.


Cincinnati vs. UConn Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 8 – 11:30 a.m. ET
Where: Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
TV Broadcast: CBSSN

Cincinnati is coming off of a loss to USF 45-20 at home, and will look to rebound after struggling in the last three games, losing two of them. The quarterback situation is a mess, with Ross Trail starting the game against the Bulls only to throw three interceptions. Gunner Kiel came in as well and was ineffective, completing just 3-of-11 passes.

UConn was demolished in Houston by the Cougars, never really finding its rhythm in the 42-14 defeat. The rushing attack was nowhere to be seen, gaining only 62 total yards while quarterback Bryant Shirreffs was inaccurate when throwing the ball, completing only 13-of-29 pass attempts.

What To Know About Cincinnati

So, who is going to play quarterback this week for Tommy Tuberville’s team? Trail seemed overwhelmed against a mediocre South Florida pass defense, so it might be time to turn back to the veteran Kiel before this season becomes a disaster. A group of talented receivers are there for whoever can find them, with Nate Cole leading the team with 30 receptions and four touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bearcats will have to get better, as they have allowed 420 yards per game. Linebacker Eric Wilson is excellent at providing pressure, recording three sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss this season.

What to Know About UConn

The UConn offense has had major problems scoring this season, ranking No. 117 in the nation with 19.8 points per game. Shirreffs is part of the problem, throwing for only three touchdowns while being intercepted twice. The other problem is that the rushing attack has been nowhere to be seen; UConn averaging just 123.8 yards per game.

The defense has been middle-of-the-road, with the exception of the Houston game, and would love to improve on the 412.8 yards per game they are allowing so far this season.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. The Bearcats need starting quarterback Hayden Moore back in the worst way.

Defense: Tie. Both teams give up a lot of yards and are tied at 26.4 points per game in scoring defense.

Special Teams: Tie. Will the Bearcats stick with Andrew Gantz on field goals?

Coaching: Cincinnati. Tuberville has had a great career. Could his time be coming to a close?

Intangibles: UConn. It’s an early game, and at home.

Matchup To Watch

Cincinnati wide receivers vs. UConn secondary

The Bearcats wide receivers can’t throw the ball to themselves, but they can make life easier for whoever plays quarterback.

Cincinnati vs. UConn Betting Odds

Spread: Cincinnati -3
Over/Under: 47

Cincinnati vs. UConn Prediction

With a healthy Hayden Moore under center for Cincinnati, this would be a no-brainer pick. That isn’t the case, however, and the Bearcats have not been good without him. Tuberville will have to find a way to manufacture points while also hoping that the defense can step up for once. This won’t be high scoring, so it favors the Huskies. UConn scores a slight upset at home.

Cincinnati vs. UConn Score Prediction: UConn 28, Cincinnati 24

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