.PNG&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "Throwback Thursday: Cincinnati vs East Tennessee State March 19, 2004")
Inside the 2011 Cincinnati Bearcats
The season begins tomorrow night at 7 pm on FSN Ohio and ESPN3, as the Cincinnati Bearcats take on the Austin Peay Governors. Cincinnati should win this game easily. Austin Peay was crushed by Wisconsin, and dominated by Middle Tennessee State last season, and on top of that, they won 2 games. The Bearcats won double that. They should have no trouble at all in doing whatever they please against the inferior foe. Later in the post, I'll have a list of things to watch for. In the meantime, let's meet the Bearcats. Pictures from this post.
Quarterbacks
The starter is of course Zach Collaros. For his Cincinnati career, he is 319-511, 62.4%, 4,338 yards, 36 TDs, 16 INTs, 575 rushing yards, 8 TDs. 14 of those INTs came last season, in a somewhat surprising development. Collaros still earned All Big East honors, and many think he's the top QB in the league this year. You can't go wrong with him or Geno Smith, they are both good. What a parent answer that was. Collaros has seemed to take the struggles of last season quite hard, and is ready to right them. I think there is no reason why he can't.
Munchie Leagux won the back up job after a very solid summer. Leagux is a soph, who played receiver last year, but embraced the QB role when given the chance. He is unproven, but is a playmaker who should make a difference. He'll get some action tomorrow if things go as they should. Jordan Luallen fought with Leagux for the backup job during the summer, but came up short. Obviously. There is talk of him playing a wildcat type role. Brandon Kay was the third stringer last season, and is the 4th stringer this year. The pride of Badin high, and the QB of the future, Patrick Coyne and Stephen Weatherford are freshmen who will probably redshirt.
Running Backs
Isaiah Pead is back for his senior season, and is the best returning back in the Big East. Pead is coming off his first 1,000 yard season. His career numbers are 308-2,029, 15 TDs, 48 receptions, 402 yards, 3 TDs. Pead missed a couple of games, and was held ineffectual in a couple others. I believe that if he cant get somewhere around 200 carries, that he could be in the top 10 of rushers in the nation. He's got the home run ability, and I believe he can be the every down back.
George Winn has been named the back up. Winn played mop up duty in a couple of games last season, and to be honest, he wasn't too impressive. He averaged 4.4 a pop. He got a career best 81 yards, while running out the second half against Miami. Jameel Poteat should also see some carries. Akise Teague has been a little banged up, but maybe he could wrangle a carry or two. Ralph David Abernathy IV may see some action. The rest of the backs are Adam Fearing, and Alex Heineman.
Wide Receivers
DJ Woods anchors the starting receivers. He's racked up 122-1,706, 12 TDs, and he's rushed for a pair of TDs. Woods had only 6 more catches than 09, but averaged 3 more yards per catch, which adds up. I kind of think that Woods is going to keep around the same numbers, which were excellent. I don't think that one man will take the slack that Armon Binns left. Kenbrell Thompkins and Anthony McClung should share the yards, and hopefully more. McClung came on last season when given an opportunity. He should be the third man, and make some big plays. Thompkins is the new number 1. That's a lofty standard to hold up to, considering the last one was an All American. Thompkins has the skills to pay the bills, as they say. He should carve out a spot near the top of the Big East receiving yards list.
Alex Chisum and Shaq Washington are freshmen, but they are two of the top backups for the opener. Orion Woodard is a senior who has shined mainly on special teams. Washington could be a player to watch out of the slot position. Chisum is 6-3, and could be a red zone target. The rest of the receivers on the roster could play on special teams, like Tomaz Hilton. Bruce Horner switched from the secondary to receiver this year. Damon Julian is a JUCO transfer, Dyjuan Lewis was expected to show up on the depth chart, and could see some time, Danny Milligan is a jack of all trades, Chris Moore is a freshman, as is Max Morrison.
Offensive Line
The Bearcats line was a low point last year. They weren't very good in pass protection at all, giving up 33 sacks. That's a lot of sacks considering they played 12 games. Protection should not be an issue hypothetically, because the Bearcats return a lot of starters. From left to right, Alex Hoffman, Randy Martinez, Evan Davis, Austen Bujinoch, and Sean Hooey. Evan Davis takes over the center spot left by Jason Kelce. The left side and Davis are all seniors.
The reserves are not very experienced. Eric Lefld is a freshman, as is Cory Keebler. Sean McClellan, Dan Sprague and Andre Cureton are all sophs. Cureton could see some time, as he competed hard with Austen. I like that the young guys are going to see time tomorrow, but a part of me is very worried about what would happen if we had a scenario like last season. If you remember, after the Fresno game, the whole line changed basically. That would probably not happen this year. Other linemen on the roster are Parker Ehinger, Sam Longo, Dominic Mainello, Daniel Murray, Justin Murray, Kevin Schloemer, and Dan Sprague. Alex Apyan, master photographer, told me he is back on the team and dressing. He's listed as a long snapper on his old bio, so he goes here. Congrats to him.
Defensive Line
Derek Wolfe anchors the returning defensive line. Wolfe had 48 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 4 sacks. He is joined at tackle by John Hughes. Hughes was right on Wolfe's tail (get it) with 47 tackles, 4.5 TFL. Dan Giordano returns at end, where he had 8 TFL and 4.5 sacks. The new member to the group is Walter Stewart. Stewart was a linebacker last season, where he had 60 tackles, 8 TFL and 2 sacks. It'll be interesting to see how he does in a rush role from end. He's backed up by the returning leader in sacks, Brandon Mills. Mills had 6 sacks and a team high 12.5 TFL, coming out of nowhere at the end of the season. He'll be back to give the group an interesting look.
The other reserves are a mix of new and old. Rob Trigg is a senior who saw some mop up work last year, while Jordan Stepp played in 11 games, making 20 tackles, 3.5 for loss. Camaron Beard is the redshirt freshman newcomer. You have to like that the reserves have seen action. The front 4 was very solid last season. To carry that over would be delightful. Adam Dempsey is another defensive lineman, and a junior, Shane Hancock is a senior, Chad Hannah and Brad Harrah have similar sounding names, and coincidentally are both redshirt freshmen, Rone Lozano is a soph, Brandon Mitchell a freshman, as is the awesomely named Silverberry Mouhon. Carroll Phillips is a freshman as well, Monte Taylor a senior, and Chad West a freshman. That is all of them. There are many. I think defensive linemen might grow on trees.
Linebackers
JK Schaffer is one of the top returning linebackers in the Big East. All he did last season was rack up 111 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 3 sacks, and an INT against Oklahoma. So really, he didn't do a whole lot at all. He's the heart on sole of the defense. The linebacking corp is focused around him. He's joined by Maalik Bomar, who impressed early last season. Bomar kind of tailed off, but still had 70 tackles, 8 TFL and 2 sacks. If he can keep it going all season long, he could be the next breakout linebacker. Breakout is exactly what new starter Ben Pooler has to do. The senior didn't make an impact last year, but won the job this summer.
A pair of freshmen fought for jobs, but they came up a little short. Nick Temple is backing up Pooler, while Dwight Jackson was moved to the middle, where he will be backing up JK. Clemente Casseus is slated behind Bomar, another freshman. Solomon Tentman is a redshirt freshman from Roger Bacon who is fighting for a chance in the middle. Linebacker is a big ass question mark this season, depth wise. A lot of unproven athletes. The reserves start with Elder product Kevin Hyland, a freshman, Colin Lozer, a junior, frosh Innocent Macha, redshirt frosh Corey Mason, and redshirt soph Mitch Meador. A lot, lot, lot of freshmen. I'm actually worried now.
Defensive Backs
If you watched Cincinnati football last season, you probably covered your eyes every time a pass went deep. The balls were normally caught. If they weren't, tackles were normally missed. Big plays were normally had. Big plays were normally not made. Such was the 2010 Bearcats secondary. All of those young men are back for a second go round. Cam Cheatham took over when Dominique Battle went down, and had 43 tackles and a pick. The other corner is Deven Drane, who I said will have 10 INTs tomorrow. Drane only played in 8 games last season, but I think he's got some potential. So does the coaching staff, which is why he's starting. That's normally how things work. Reuben Johnson had 62 tackles, a sack and a pick, and is slated to be the nickelback. That makes me think we see 4-2-5 a lot this year. Maybe 3-3-5 in some cases. The much picked on duo of Wes Richardson and Drew Frey are back at safety. Frey and Richardson both had 2 INTs, which tied for the team lead. Frey had 52 tackles, Wes 42. They were picked on a lot. Hopefully, last season will be motivation for this group.
Gone for surgery but now back again, about his paper like a mother fuckin' scratch and win is Dominique Battle. Battle started last year, and had 12 tackles, 2 TFL and a sack before getting hurt. Chris Williams was listed as an OR with Johnson, but I like RJ better. Williams had a sack last year. Adrian Witty had 1 tackle as a freshman. The safety reserves are JUCO transfer Malcolm Murray, Arryn Chenault and Pat Lambert. Chenault played special teams, while Lambert had an INT. Other DBs listed on the roster are JUCO Isiah Vaughn, Redshirt frosh Demitri Beal, Sr Reuben Haley, fresh Torrey Nibbs, fresh Trenier Orr, and Jr Aaron Roberson.
Tight Ends
Yeah, I just remembered I didn't write about the tight ends either. Blake Annen earned the job in the off-season when it looked like senior Adrien Robinson would be the starter. Travis Kelce was suspended last season, but is back with a new vigor this year. At least he should have one. Demetrius Richardson is a junior TE, while Josh Russ is a freshman. Matt Staubach went to McNick, and is a freshman. That rounds up the tight end category. If Ben Guidulgi isn't targeted last season, I doubt these guys are this year.
Special Teams
Tony Miliano won the kicker job. I think he'll do a good job, because saying he would do a bad job is mean. If he does do a bad job, Shane Popham would take over. AJ Fleak could have a chance as well. The freak Pat O'Donnell returns, looking to improve his 41.9 yard average. Only 5 touchbacks last year. O'Donnell will hold the kicks, so he could pull a fake. Tom DeTemple will long snap, with Kirk Willis having a chance maybe.
Returning the kicks are Ralph David Abernathy IV, DJ Woods and Anthony McClung. RDA IV will be the primary returner. DJ is slated to be the one to take punts, but after his poor season last year at that job, I would rather it be McClung or Isaiah Pead. I would love for Teague to return kicks at some point this season.
Now that we have your Bearcats listed, let's run through 5 things to watch tomorrow night.
Prediction
UC should win handily. They should score at will. They should get stops. I think maybe they turn it off the 4th quarter, and maybe give up a TD.
Cincinnati 59 - Austin Peay 10
Quarterbacks
The starter is of course Zach Collaros. For his Cincinnati career, he is 319-511, 62.4%, 4,338 yards, 36 TDs, 16 INTs, 575 rushing yards, 8 TDs. 14 of those INTs came last season, in a somewhat surprising development. Collaros still earned All Big East honors, and many think he's the top QB in the league this year. You can't go wrong with him or Geno Smith, they are both good. What a parent answer that was. Collaros has seemed to take the struggles of last season quite hard, and is ready to right them. I think there is no reason why he can't.
Munchie Leagux won the back up job after a very solid summer. Leagux is a soph, who played receiver last year, but embraced the QB role when given the chance. He is unproven, but is a playmaker who should make a difference. He'll get some action tomorrow if things go as they should. Jordan Luallen fought with Leagux for the backup job during the summer, but came up short. Obviously. There is talk of him playing a wildcat type role. Brandon Kay was the third stringer last season, and is the 4th stringer this year. The pride of Badin high, and the QB of the future, Patrick Coyne and Stephen Weatherford are freshmen who will probably redshirt.
Running Backs
Isaiah Pead is back for his senior season, and is the best returning back in the Big East. Pead is coming off his first 1,000 yard season. His career numbers are 308-2,029, 15 TDs, 48 receptions, 402 yards, 3 TDs. Pead missed a couple of games, and was held ineffectual in a couple others. I believe that if he cant get somewhere around 200 carries, that he could be in the top 10 of rushers in the nation. He's got the home run ability, and I believe he can be the every down back.
George Winn has been named the back up. Winn played mop up duty in a couple of games last season, and to be honest, he wasn't too impressive. He averaged 4.4 a pop. He got a career best 81 yards, while running out the second half against Miami. Jameel Poteat should also see some carries. Akise Teague has been a little banged up, but maybe he could wrangle a carry or two. Ralph David Abernathy IV may see some action. The rest of the backs are Adam Fearing, and Alex Heineman.
Wide Receivers
DJ Woods anchors the starting receivers. He's racked up 122-1,706, 12 TDs, and he's rushed for a pair of TDs. Woods had only 6 more catches than 09, but averaged 3 more yards per catch, which adds up. I kind of think that Woods is going to keep around the same numbers, which were excellent. I don't think that one man will take the slack that Armon Binns left. Kenbrell Thompkins and Anthony McClung should share the yards, and hopefully more. McClung came on last season when given an opportunity. He should be the third man, and make some big plays. Thompkins is the new number 1. That's a lofty standard to hold up to, considering the last one was an All American. Thompkins has the skills to pay the bills, as they say. He should carve out a spot near the top of the Big East receiving yards list.
Alex Chisum and Shaq Washington are freshmen, but they are two of the top backups for the opener. Orion Woodard is a senior who has shined mainly on special teams. Washington could be a player to watch out of the slot position. Chisum is 6-3, and could be a red zone target. The rest of the receivers on the roster could play on special teams, like Tomaz Hilton. Bruce Horner switched from the secondary to receiver this year. Damon Julian is a JUCO transfer, Dyjuan Lewis was expected to show up on the depth chart, and could see some time, Danny Milligan is a jack of all trades, Chris Moore is a freshman, as is Max Morrison.
Offensive Line
The Bearcats line was a low point last year. They weren't very good in pass protection at all, giving up 33 sacks. That's a lot of sacks considering they played 12 games. Protection should not be an issue hypothetically, because the Bearcats return a lot of starters. From left to right, Alex Hoffman, Randy Martinez, Evan Davis, Austen Bujinoch, and Sean Hooey. Evan Davis takes over the center spot left by Jason Kelce. The left side and Davis are all seniors.
The reserves are not very experienced. Eric Lefld is a freshman, as is Cory Keebler. Sean McClellan, Dan Sprague and Andre Cureton are all sophs. Cureton could see some time, as he competed hard with Austen. I like that the young guys are going to see time tomorrow, but a part of me is very worried about what would happen if we had a scenario like last season. If you remember, after the Fresno game, the whole line changed basically. That would probably not happen this year. Other linemen on the roster are Parker Ehinger, Sam Longo, Dominic Mainello, Daniel Murray, Justin Murray, Kevin Schloemer, and Dan Sprague. Alex Apyan, master photographer, told me he is back on the team and dressing. He's listed as a long snapper on his old bio, so he goes here. Congrats to him.
Defensive Line
Derek Wolfe anchors the returning defensive line. Wolfe had 48 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 4 sacks. He is joined at tackle by John Hughes. Hughes was right on Wolfe's tail (get it) with 47 tackles, 4.5 TFL. Dan Giordano returns at end, where he had 8 TFL and 4.5 sacks. The new member to the group is Walter Stewart. Stewart was a linebacker last season, where he had 60 tackles, 8 TFL and 2 sacks. It'll be interesting to see how he does in a rush role from end. He's backed up by the returning leader in sacks, Brandon Mills. Mills had 6 sacks and a team high 12.5 TFL, coming out of nowhere at the end of the season. He'll be back to give the group an interesting look.
The other reserves are a mix of new and old. Rob Trigg is a senior who saw some mop up work last year, while Jordan Stepp played in 11 games, making 20 tackles, 3.5 for loss. Camaron Beard is the redshirt freshman newcomer. You have to like that the reserves have seen action. The front 4 was very solid last season. To carry that over would be delightful. Adam Dempsey is another defensive lineman, and a junior, Shane Hancock is a senior, Chad Hannah and Brad Harrah have similar sounding names, and coincidentally are both redshirt freshmen, Rone Lozano is a soph, Brandon Mitchell a freshman, as is the awesomely named Silverberry Mouhon. Carroll Phillips is a freshman as well, Monte Taylor a senior, and Chad West a freshman. That is all of them. There are many. I think defensive linemen might grow on trees.
Linebackers
JK Schaffer is one of the top returning linebackers in the Big East. All he did last season was rack up 111 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 3 sacks, and an INT against Oklahoma. So really, he didn't do a whole lot at all. He's the heart on sole of the defense. The linebacking corp is focused around him. He's joined by Maalik Bomar, who impressed early last season. Bomar kind of tailed off, but still had 70 tackles, 8 TFL and 2 sacks. If he can keep it going all season long, he could be the next breakout linebacker. Breakout is exactly what new starter Ben Pooler has to do. The senior didn't make an impact last year, but won the job this summer.
A pair of freshmen fought for jobs, but they came up a little short. Nick Temple is backing up Pooler, while Dwight Jackson was moved to the middle, where he will be backing up JK. Clemente Casseus is slated behind Bomar, another freshman. Solomon Tentman is a redshirt freshman from Roger Bacon who is fighting for a chance in the middle. Linebacker is a big ass question mark this season, depth wise. A lot of unproven athletes. The reserves start with Elder product Kevin Hyland, a freshman, Colin Lozer, a junior, frosh Innocent Macha, redshirt frosh Corey Mason, and redshirt soph Mitch Meador. A lot, lot, lot of freshmen. I'm actually worried now.
Defensive Backs
If you watched Cincinnati football last season, you probably covered your eyes every time a pass went deep. The balls were normally caught. If they weren't, tackles were normally missed. Big plays were normally had. Big plays were normally not made. Such was the 2010 Bearcats secondary. All of those young men are back for a second go round. Cam Cheatham took over when Dominique Battle went down, and had 43 tackles and a pick. The other corner is Deven Drane, who I said will have 10 INTs tomorrow. Drane only played in 8 games last season, but I think he's got some potential. So does the coaching staff, which is why he's starting. That's normally how things work. Reuben Johnson had 62 tackles, a sack and a pick, and is slated to be the nickelback. That makes me think we see 4-2-5 a lot this year. Maybe 3-3-5 in some cases. The much picked on duo of Wes Richardson and Drew Frey are back at safety. Frey and Richardson both had 2 INTs, which tied for the team lead. Frey had 52 tackles, Wes 42. They were picked on a lot. Hopefully, last season will be motivation for this group.
Gone for surgery but now back again, about his paper like a mother fuckin' scratch and win is Dominique Battle. Battle started last year, and had 12 tackles, 2 TFL and a sack before getting hurt. Chris Williams was listed as an OR with Johnson, but I like RJ better. Williams had a sack last year. Adrian Witty had 1 tackle as a freshman. The safety reserves are JUCO transfer Malcolm Murray, Arryn Chenault and Pat Lambert. Chenault played special teams, while Lambert had an INT. Other DBs listed on the roster are JUCO Isiah Vaughn, Redshirt frosh Demitri Beal, Sr Reuben Haley, fresh Torrey Nibbs, fresh Trenier Orr, and Jr Aaron Roberson.
Tight Ends
Yeah, I just remembered I didn't write about the tight ends either. Blake Annen earned the job in the off-season when it looked like senior Adrien Robinson would be the starter. Travis Kelce was suspended last season, but is back with a new vigor this year. At least he should have one. Demetrius Richardson is a junior TE, while Josh Russ is a freshman. Matt Staubach went to McNick, and is a freshman. That rounds up the tight end category. If Ben Guidulgi isn't targeted last season, I doubt these guys are this year.
Special Teams
Tony Miliano won the kicker job. I think he'll do a good job, because saying he would do a bad job is mean. If he does do a bad job, Shane Popham would take over. AJ Fleak could have a chance as well. The freak Pat O'Donnell returns, looking to improve his 41.9 yard average. Only 5 touchbacks last year. O'Donnell will hold the kicks, so he could pull a fake. Tom DeTemple will long snap, with Kirk Willis having a chance maybe.
Returning the kicks are Ralph David Abernathy IV, DJ Woods and Anthony McClung. RDA IV will be the primary returner. DJ is slated to be the one to take punts, but after his poor season last year at that job, I would rather it be McClung or Isaiah Pead. I would love for Teague to return kicks at some point this season.
Now that we have your Bearcats listed, let's run through 5 things to watch tomorrow night.
- Protection. All the QBs should stay clean. If they don't, something is very wrong.
- Big plays on defense. The group has a history of being burned. Let's see if they can get some positive momentum for next week.
- Turnovers. Obviously last season was a turnover train-wreck. It would be great if UC started off the year on the plus side of that category.
- The back up running backs. I think there is competition for the reserve role. I don't really buy George Winn. Sorry, George. I would like to see Poteat get a crack.
- Health. This is a game that should be a blowout. Let's not see anyone get hurt.
Prediction
UC should win handily. They should score at will. They should get stops. I think maybe they turn it off the 4th quarter, and maybe give up a TD.
Cincinnati 59 - Austin Peay 10
