2009 NCAA - Cincinnati
It's hard to fault anything that Brian Kelly has done in his two seasons at Cincinnati. After guiding Central Michigan to a 9-4 record and a MAC title in 2006 (11-2 ATS), Kelly is 21-6 as the Bearcats' coach, and was a surprise Big East champion last season. With the bowl loss, Cincinnati heads into the season on a 3-game ATS losing streak, a first for Kelly as he prepares for his sixth season as a head coach. It could be an interesting season for those who monitor UC. There are eight starters back on offense, but the defense basically loses everyone, as just one starter returns. |
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Cincinnati
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Cincy's offense was semi-pedestrian at times last year, but returning QB Tony Pike seems satisfied that Kelly trusts him to run the show. Stud receiver Mardy Gilyard will be a key player again, and if the NCAA grants Vidal Hazelton (CHECK STATUS of Vidal Hazelton) then Cincy has two potent threats on the outside. But the offensive line will be largely untested outside of left tackle Jeff Linkenbach. On the other side, new defensive coordinator Bob Diaco is switching to a 3-4. He'll have to replace playmakers everywhere. Punter Kevin Huber led the nation with a 45-yard net average. He is gone, and his loss will certainly be felt. |
| ASK the bookie? - An early conference test at Rutgers awaits, and it could go a long way to see who will be near the top, competing with South Florida and West Virginia, in the Big East. Trips to Oregon State and Miami (Ohio) and home games against Fresno State and Illinois make for an intriguing non-conference schedule (games against five different teams, four in Division I-A, all in different conferences). A solid power rating for Cincinnati will be imperative when trying to figure out the right side of those games, in addition to a solid conference rating for both the Big East and the corresponding opposing league. |
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