09: Rutgers Scarlet Knights-Cincinnati Bearcats

Written by Mark | 04 September 2009

College Football 9/7/09

Cincinnati Bearcats (Big East)-Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big East)

By Mark • Monday, September 7th, 2009 4 PM EST

Rutgers (0-0) vs. Cincinnati (0-0)
Line-Rutgers-5

Cincinnati has won three of the last four meetings between these two conference rivals in what has provided 2 straight games decided by less than six points. Many experts believe Rutgers is the team to beat in the Big East while Cincinnati might be looking at a down year. This game could go a long way in figuring just where each team stands.

Quarterback Tony Pike will be the focus of attention for the Rutgers defense and he needs to raise his game to another level if the Bearcats are to be successful. When Pike drops back to throw his main target will be WR Marshawn Gilyard who caught more than half of Pike's 2,400 passing yards in 2008.

Running the ball wasn't a strength for Cincy last season as they were ranked just #95 in the country and dead last in the Big East. With a depleted defense taking the field, an improved rushing attack will go a long way to controlling the ball and shortening the game. RB Jacob Ramsey returns but he only gained 664 yards last year and that won't get it done.

The Bearcats lost virtually their entire defense of a year ago and have one starter returning. They also have a new DC in Bob Diaco who will change the defensive scheme by installing a 3-4. I guess now is as good a time as any to change philosophy with few returning players.

QB Mike Teel is gone and so is his 270 passing yards per game. Adding insult to injury, the Scarlet Knights lost their two top receivers in Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood. Jabu Lovelace and Dom Natale could continue their battle to grab the starting quarterback role into the season and I'd have to see each perform under fire before deciding on one.

Rutgers was only slightly better than Cincinnati in the run department, finishing 7^th in the conference. RB Kordell Young returns, but he needs to improve on 2008's total of 554 yards rushing. The O-Line returns most of their starters, so there is reason to believe the ground game will be much better. This team needs production from somewhere and this is an area that should provide it.

There is room for optimism on their defense, which despite losing five starters has potential. The Scarlet Knights have the talent to fill in for departed players and have enough players back to be a solid unit. LB Ryan D'Imperio is the leader of this unit and brings 2008 totals of 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks into his final season. Overall there won't be a dramatic drop in the level of play.

Rutgers has 13 players back while Cincy has 10 back but just one on defense. The Scarlet Knights are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games and 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Bearcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 4 conference games and the beat goes on. Trends are useful but I don't know if they apply when a team loses half their roster. I like defense and Rutgers looks better on paper so I'll lay the points with the home team.