Cincinnati Bearcats

Head Coach

Brian Kelly	2nd year
07-08	10-3
Big East	4-3
FCR	143

Previous Season Wins

Big East Previews by Michael Matts

Head Coach - The Bearcats took very nicely to Brian Kelly’s wide-open offensive system. The 10-3 record was its best since 1951, and there is a new enthusiasm in the Queens city. The challenge in Year 2 for Kelly is to deal with the loss of Ben Mauk, 5 defensive starters and both kicker and punter. With 13 returning starters, however, the task will be a little easier.

Quarterback - There was an open audition to replace Mauk, and Dustin Grutza beat Notre Dame transfer Demetrius Jones and talented freshman Chazz Anderson in the fall. Grutza was the starter in 2006 in Mark Dantonio’s conservative system, and will have the advantage of being in Kelly’s complex system for a full year. Anderson is the obvious QB of the future. If Grutza struggles, expect Anderson to get immediate playing time.

Running Backs - After a year of committee running back, Cincy will have junior Jacob Ramsey as its feature RB. In 2007, he had 362 yards and three scores. His small frame and explosive style are perfect for a 3-wide offense. John Goebel is ready to contribute after 2 years in a reserve role.

Receivers - While the running game is unsettled, the wide receiver position is loaded. The three leaders are back, headed by senior Dominick Goodman (68 catches, 3 TDs) and sophomore speedster Marcus Bennett (862 yards and 13 TDs). With junior Charley Howard (6-3, 208) winning the spot as the slot man, expect Cincy to improve on its 20th-ranked passing offense.

Offensive Line -

Defense - The Bearcats were the national leaders in interceptions, 8th in sacks and 18th in tackles for loss in 2007.The news get better considering 6 starters return, 2007 All Big East players CB Mike Mickens and DT Terrell Byrd (who will miss game one vs. E. Kentucky).

Defensive Line - Joining Byrd (17 TFL and eight sacks) inside is Adam Hoppel, who has 4 sacks and 6.5 TFL in ’07. While the tackles are set, the ends are up in the air. Lamont Nelms, recovering from shoulder surgery, and converted TE Conner Barwin are expected to be the starters, with sophomore Rob Trigg getting playing time as well.

Linebackers - All three linebackers return, but coach Kelly was not satisfied with the production, particularly in BE tilts. Ryan Manalac will stay in the middle, and will look to add to his 76 tackles. In order to get more pressure in the QB, Andre Revels will move to the weak side. Corey Smith is a three-year starter and will be the starter at SLB. He has 80 tackles a year ago, and will need to step up productivity on the pass defensive side.

Defensive Backs - Mickens will anchor a secondary with fellow all-BE corner DeAngelo Smith. Mickens, a clear All-American candidate had six picks and 53 tackles while being consistently thrown away from. Smith took advantage of this and had a huge season with a nation-leading eight INTs. Both safeties are gone, and the Bearcats will rely on Sr. Cedric Tolbert and Jr. Brad Jones to fill the gap.

Special Teams - The nation’s best net punter, Kevin Huber, is back for his senior year. The kicking game will need to improve on 11 for 19 on FG attempts.

Schedule - Hot and cold, Cincy plays at Oklahoma in September, Hawai’i in December, 3 MAC teams and Eastern Kentucky. The critical league stretch starts on October 25th when they play 3 of 4 games, including West Virginia, on the road.

Outlook - Cincy was one of those interesting teams in 2007, very explosive on defense, and made big plays on the offense side. Yet, 5 of the 7 BE games were decided by 7 points or less (they went 2-3). With an upgraded OOC and games at UConn, WVU and Louisville, it will be very hard to duplicate the 10 wins from 2007. If Grutza struggles, it could be a very long year.