Miami Hurricanes vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: Key Matchups

After suffering a high scoring game and a loss to Memphis, the Cincinnati Bearcats look to bounce back at home on Thursday night against the Miami Hurricanes. After the media predicted the Bearcats to win the American Athletic Conference, Cincinnati is 0-2 in conference play and 2-2 on the season.

The Hurricanes know that they will face a high powered offense, and possible a high scoring game. The Canes will be somewhat depleted on the defensive side of the ball with two first-half suspensions of safeties Deon Bush and Jamal Carter. The linebacker core is also diminished. With the recent injury to back up Marques Gayot, Jermaine Grace will have to take majority of the snaps, after suffering a concussion in the Nebraska game. Surely, the Bearcats will take note of Miami’s current issues.

Miami Defense vs. Cincinnati Offense

Miami fans should be prepared for the defense to give huge chunks of yards to the Bearcats’ high powered offense. Even with quarterback Gunner Kiel out for Thursday’s game, the Bearcats are able to replace him with redshirt freshman Hayden Moore, who broke the all-time record for the school with most passing yards in a game against Memphis (557 yards). The Cincinnati offense is averaging 623 yards a game, which puts them in second in the nation in total offense.

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Miami’s passing defense

Also, the Bearcats are 1st in the nation in 3rd down completions percentage at 50.8 percent. Miami has struggled on getting off the field on 3rd downs in years past under Al Golden and recently in the game against Nebraska. Some of that was due to Miami’s pass rush not wrapping up and tackling the QB. Luckily, Miami won’t be facing a mobile quarterback like Tommy Armstrong of Nebraska. The Canes blitzed and stunted but couldn’t come up with sacks due to Armstrong’s mobility. Moore isn’t as mobile so that should help out the Hurricanes. It is pertinent for the Miami pass rush to get after the quarterback in this one. Many people are waiting for Al Quadin Muhammad and Tyriq McCord to have a coming out party. This is great opportunity to get after a quarterback who will throw many times.

Although they lead the nation in total offense, the Bearcats are tied for 103rd in red-zone efficiency. Miami may give up huge chunks of yardage in the air, but the game will be won by creating turnovers and limiting red zone scoring, a characteristic Mark D’Onofrio harps on. So far this year, Miami has been great in generating turnovers. They have seven interceptions on the year, and two forced fumbles. Miami was able to intercept Kiel three times during their meeting last season.

With Miami’s reduction in depth in the secondary, Miami will lean on cornerbacks Corn Elder and Artie Burns to play exceptional man coverage while Rayshawn Jenkins and Dallas Crawford patrol the back half. Miami will need all the help they can get until Carter and Bush can play.

Key match up: Cincinnati, WR Chris Moore (15 rec, 315 yards, 2 TDs) vs. CB Artie Burns (3 INTs)

Miami Offense vs Cincinnati Defense

Last year, Miami put over 600+ yards on the Bearcat defense, and last week they gave up 610 to Memphis. Brad Kaaya, Rashawn Scott and Joe Yearby are liking their chops, right? Cincinnati enters the game ranked 96th in total defense giving up and average of 421 yards per game. However, they are without two key players, defensive back Adrian Witty and linebacker Clemente Cassius.

So far this season, James Coley has opened the offense up in the spread. Many have argued for the offensive staff to spread the defense out and utilize the South Florida speed. Brad Kaaya has 839 yards and 5 touchdowns on the year. He has shown that his favorite target is Rashawn Scott, who has taken the lead in the receiving corp with 18 receptions and 279 yards to go along with a touchdown.

Yet, they key to the game is controlling the ground game. The key match up is Yearby and the offensive line against the struggling Cincinnati defense. Yearby has shown that he is a man among boys this season, showing his capabilities in the passing game and on the ground. He’s licking his chops. Why? Memphis was able to put up 299 yards rushing on the Bearcat defense. Not only has Yearby shown promise, but his backup Mark Walton has impressed many with his skills. Miami will utilize their running backs in the passing game.

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