USF (1-4; 0-1 American) at #24/- Cincinnati (4-1; 1-0 American)
Saturday, Oct. 8 • 2:30 P.M. • Nippert Stadium (40,000) • Cincinnati, Ohio
SURFACE: Turf
TV: ESPN+: Richard Cross (PXP) & Taylor McHargue (Analyst)
RADIO: 102.5 FM/102.5 HD 2
AUDIO STREAM: TuneIn - Bulls Unlimited 1
SERIES: UC leads, 12-7, most played series
IN TAMPA: Tied, 5-5, Lost, 45-28 in 2021
IN CINCY: UC leads, 7-2, last, UC won 28-7 in '20
STREAK: UC has won four straight
LAST USF WIN: 33-3 in Tampa in 2017
VS RANKED: 11-35, lost last 13; 4-16 on the road
USF GAME NOTES
CINCINNATI — When the Bulls face the No. 24-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium, there's an obvious focus for improvement.
The Bulls (1-4, 0-1 AAC), who will take on a program-record third ranked opponent in the season's first six games, could use a jump-start, a spark, a bolt of immediate lightning … anything to get going quickly against the two-time defending conference champion Bearcats (4-1, 1-0 AAC).
Slow starts have plagued the Bulls in the first half.
"If you look at our keys to victory this week, the first three are Start Fast, Start Faster and Start Fastest,'' defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said. "I think we have played against some really good quarterbacks so far and some top-50 offenses. This week is the same thing. But it's no excuse.
"We have to play better. We have to get off to a better start. That's certainly on me. We can't keep spotting these teams significant chunks of yards at the beginning of the game.''
If the Bulls could break out against Cincinnati, it would do a world of good for USF's confidence. A three-and-out by USF's defense. A kickoff return for a score. A sustained drive or even a quick strike. Any of it would work nicely.
Head coach Jeff Scott was asked if the Bulls should take the ball — instead of deferring for the second-half option — if they win the opening coin toss. USF did just that against Howard University, then Gerry Bohanon was intercepted on the game's first play. Scott said that doesn't make him gun-shy, but added that he likes getting the ball to start the second half.
"So how do we get off to a better start? Trust me, I'm the first one who wants to see that happen,'' offensive coordinator Travis Trickett said. "We've got to play better. We've got to hold onto the ball and not miss any opportunities. Unfortunately, we're playing a team that's extremely disruptive. They're a little bit of a different animal than we've seen. We've got to put our stuff together and be ready because it's going to be a fist fight.''
Bearcat Challenge
You don't have to exaggerate to praise Cincinnati, which has won 29 consecutive home games, while defeating 17 straight opponents in the AAC.
Trickett said he watched film of every Cincinnati game in 2021, when the Bearcats (13-1) won the AAC championship and made the College Football Playoff, along with their five games this season. He said he believes the Bearcats are even better in 2022.
Scott said Cincinnati's defense might be the best he has faced since he was on the staff at Clemson, when the Tigers played top-ranked Alabama for the national championship. Cincinnati's defense leads the nation in sacks (23), tackles for a loss (50) and defensive touchdowns (four) and ranks in the top 25 in total defense and turnovers gained.
Meanwhile, Shoop said Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant (65.2 percent completions, 13 touchdowns, four interceptions and 1,383 yards) looks just as formidable as Desmond Ridder, last season's AAC Offensive Player of the Year.
So, Cincinnati had nine players drafted in the NFL … and got better?
"They do a great job of recruiting and developing players,'' Scott said. "They are one of the best teams in the nation, no question.''
"You might see that in Tuscaloosa (Alabama) or Athens (Georgia), but not too many other places,'' Trickett said. "We will have our hands full with that defense.''
USF's offense scored on its first three drives of the second half in a 48-28 defeat against East Carolina at Boca Raton. The Bulls were led by Bohanon, who threw three touchdown passes, and sophomore wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who had a career day with eight receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Trivia Time
USF has faced Cincinnati each season since 2003. During that period, the Bearcats have had six head football coaches. Can you name them? (Answer below).
Looking Ahead
USF plays its homecoming game next Saturday afternoon against the Tulane Green Wave (4-1, 1-0), which first hosts the East Carolina Pirates. Tulane is off to a successful start with road upsets of Kansas State (17-10) and AAC foe Houston (27-24).
Tulane defeated Houston on an overtime touchdown pass from third-string quarterback Kai Horton to Tyjae Spears (the team's leading rusher with 259 yards and six touchdowns). Last season, the Green Wave defeated USF 45-14 in New Orleans to end an eight-game losing streak.
Tulane leads the series 2-1 and is going for its third straight victory against USF.
Trivia Answer
The Cincinnati head coaches have been Rick Minter (2003), Mark Dantonio (2004-05), Brian Kelly (2006-09), Butch Jones (2010-12), Tommy Tuberville (2013-16) and Luke Fickell (2017-present).
– Go Bulls –
