Campus Clash
(7) Cincinnati Bearcats at (24) Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Cincinnati: To some, it may matter how you play. But if the ending result is winning, that’s all that’s important. They’re 8-0 with people still trying to ask questions on who they are. In their last four games, they’ve taken care of business against Memphis, Houston, East Carolina, and UCF. What I like about them is they win in different ways. I can admit they’ve had some nail biters, but as long as zero is in that loss column, that’s all that matters. This Cincinnati offense is a special group with Desmond Ridder under center at quarterback. They can control the clock with the running game or beat you in the air with the passing attack. The defense on the other side has also been stingy. They have everything to be considered a playoff team if you ask me. On Saturday, they’ll travel to Oklahoma.
Tulsa: After losing to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, they’ve settled in quite nicely. After the win against Navy, they’re sitting at 6-1. What I like about Tulsa is the balance they display offensively. On the year, they’ve averaged 251 yards passing and 159 yards rushing per contest. When he’s given time upfront in the pocket, quarterback Zach Smith is solid. As an offense, Tulsa averages a little over 27 points a game. In the passing game, Zach has a few targets to get the ball too. There’s Keylon Stokes, Josh Johnson, and JuanCarlos Santana. As a defense, they handle their business. They’ve held their opponents to 19 points per game and they hold their opponents to under 200 yards in each running and passing. There’s nothing fancy about this team. Tulsa just wants to run it downfield and make plays. They’ll wrap their regular season up against Cincinnati.
Cincinnati X-Factor: Jayshon Jackson– I could watch him play all day. He can win those one on one battles down the field, goes over the middle and whenever Ridder needs him to make a play for the offense, he does it. Jayshon is one of the many weapons on this Bearcats offense.
Tulsa X-Factor: Deneric Prince– He’s a quick running back, but don’t let the speed fool you because he can run anyone over in his path. Deneric has led a nice trio of running backs for this Tulsa offense. The best remedy of course to help limit a potent offense is to keep them on the sidelines. Run the football.
Final Thoughts: This game grabbed my attention. Cincinnati is looking to finish their regular season undefeated and make that push for a potential playoff spot. It’s incredible what Luke Fickell has done with this program. Tulsa is looking to play spoiler. This Tulsa defense will cause problems for the Bearcats. I see Tulsa doing all they can to slow the game down. Cincinnati must play their game. Don’t jump out of your box.
Prediction: Cincinnati 40 Tulsa 27
