2009 College Football Predictions: Cincinnati Bearcats

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Cincinnati Bearcats

2008 Record: (11-3, 6-1)
Coach: Brian Kelly, 3rd year (22-6 at Cincinnati, 41-22 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Jeff Quinn (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Bob Diasco (1st year)
Returning Starters: 9 (7 offense, 1 defense, kicker
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tony Pike)

Offense: The no-huddle spread offense will have to carry the team, as they have seven returners including senior QB Tony Pike (6-6, 210). Pike has great size and can move well out of the pocket. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 2,407 yards with 19 TDs and 11 INTs last year. His top target is senior WR Mardy Gilyard, who caught 81 passes for 1,276 yards and 11 TDs last year. At running back, they return junior John Goebel and senior Jacob Ramsey who combined for 1,271 yards last year. They’ll be pushed by RB Isiah Pead, a speedster who saw limited action as a freshman. The line will be anchored by left tackle Jeff Linkenbach (6-6, 311), a potential all-conference pick. The line is strong and deep despite returning three starers.

Defense: Here is the problem. Free safety Aaron Webster is the only returning starter, though the Bearcats have some replacements who saw extensive action last year. There’s no doubt, there will be some bumps in the road as Cincy moves from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Bob Diaco. Most feel that this is the best defense to count the spread offense, which most teams are now using in college football. The depth on the defensive line is fine, but they need somebody to step up. Sophomore Derek Wolfe (6-5, 302) has the most potential to be a disruptive force at NT. They even moved former quarterback Demetrius Jones to linebacker and wide receiver Marcus Barnett to cornerback. Barnett has a legitimate chance to start.

Outlook: The Cincinnati Bearcats averaged 25.9ppg last season and may have to score 35ppg to get back to a bowl game. They open at Rutgers, then face S.E. Missouri State and are at Oregon State, followed by a home game at Fresno State. After all that, they have to travel to their state rival, Miami-Ohio. Not brutal, but certainly no cakewalk for a team trying to rebuild its defense. It will be a tough task for Brian Kelly, but he certainly has the ability to find a way to get to a bowl game.

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