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Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
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UCGrad1992 Offline
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Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
Whether you tend to be a glass half empty or glass half full kind of dude...pessimist, optimist, or somewhere in between [cautious indifference], this year's Bearcats football season is lining up to be one of the most special we've had since Brian Kelly's 12-0 campaign. Yes, I said it. Yes, I believe it. Sue me if you strongly disagree. We have a dedicated head coach that has purposefully, productively, strategically, and quietly built a rock strong football program in Year 3. He has brought accountability and rebuilt bridges to recruiting in the State of Ohio and beyond. We have depth in our position groups and talent across the board. We have a system on offense that favors a confident, productive running game and a stable of running studs to control the clock and wear down the opponent in the 4th quarter. We have the AAC Rookie of the Year returning to QB in Year 2 of his development. We have an improved special teams unit that is not led by a GA [Ben Notcoachinlong]. We have players that believe in their coach and a coach who believes in and motivates his players. We have a consistent, vested coaching staff that are great teachers and leaders of young men. We have an AD who is on the same page with our staff and vice versa. We have a schedule, that while challenging, is favorable to quality wins, provides a realistic path to the conference championship game, and is worthy of CFP consideration if all things fall the right way. Consider the following:

One home game and one "road trip" game against quality P5 opponents:

Thursday, Aug. 29 - UCLA, 7:00 PM
Saturday, Sep. 7 - at Ohio State, 12:00 PM

Two games at home against East Division foes that have given us fits of late [one in prime time]:

Friday, Oct. 4 - UCF, 8:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 23 - Temple, Time TBA

Three quality conference road games:

Saturday, Oct. 12 - at Houston, Time TBA
Saturday, Nov. 16 - at USF, Time TBA
Friday, Nov. 29 - at Memphis, Time TBA

Of the remaining 5 games on the schedule, no FCS opponent:

Saturday, Sep. 14 - Miami (Ohio), 12:00 PM
Saturday, Sep. 28 - at Marshall, 5:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 19 - Tulsa, Time TBA ET
Saturday, Nov. 2 - at East Carolina, Time TBA
Saturday, Nov. 9 - UConn, Time TBA

If there was ever a chance for the Bearcats to win the East and qualify for the AAC Championship it's this year. We must protect home field against UCF and Temple and no slip-ups against ECU and UConn for that to happen. Let's control our own destiny and not rely on other teams to punch our ticket to the chip game. If we do this, and we win the conference chip, then playing in the Cotton Bowl becomes a very real opportunity. I'm going to change my earlier outlook on this team and predict 10-2 for the regular season and winning the chip finishing 11-2 overall.
 
06-09-2019 12:51 PM
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Dannyboy Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
15-0.
 
06-09-2019 01:30 PM
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UCGrad1992 Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-09-2019 01:30 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  15-0.

If that happens, erect the statue of BDF.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-09-2019 06:55 PM by UCGrad1992.)
06-09-2019 02:26 PM
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doss2 Online
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
Remember we could have lost to SMU, OU, and UCLA. We also could have beat Temple,

At best we could have been 11-1 and worst 8-4.

And the ball game could have been an L.

I expect us to be much better but the schedule is much harder and the Gods of luck could turn.

Expect 8-4 to 11-1. Then a bowl.
 
06-09-2019 06:19 PM
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Ragpicker Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
Truly hope you are right and we all can celebrate in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl!

But we could easily be 1-3 after our first four.

My prediction is a worse record than last season yet a better team overall. Another mid-level bowl against a .500 team from a P5.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-09-2019 07:12 PM by Ragpicker.)
06-09-2019 07:09 PM
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UCGrad1992 Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
Rook of the Year got a full season under his belt last year. Year 2 he. will. be. even. better.


 
06-09-2019 09:10 PM
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-09-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  Truly hope you are right and we all can celebrate in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl!

But we could easily be 1-3 after our first four.

My prediction is a worse record than last season yet a better team overall. Another mid-level bowl against a .500 team from a P5.

I'm hoping that the team is good enough for the access bowl, but your prediction is the likelier outcome. A win in such a bowl is probable.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-09-2019 09:38 PM by Former Lurker.)
06-09-2019 09:37 PM
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doss2 Online
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
2019 versus 2018:

Trade:
UCLA away to home
AL A&M for OSU
OU @ home for Marshall away
Tulane home for UH away
Navy for Tulsa both home
SMU for Memphis both away
Miami neutral for Miami home

Same five AAC East just flip home and away. Temple and UCF at home helps, UConn and ECU the where should not matter. By the time we play @USF they should be in annual swoon.

Best 11-1 and win AAC at Nippert and NY Bowl
Worst 7-5 and Toilet Bowl v Sunbelt
Likely 9-3 and Toilet Bowl v SEC
 
06-09-2019 10:51 PM
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OKIcat Offline
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Post: #9
RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-09-2019 10:51 PM)doss2 Wrote:  2019 versus 2018:

Trade:
UCLA away to home
AL A&M for OSU
OU @ home for Marshall away
Tulane home for UH away
Navy for Tulsa both home
SMU for Memphis both away
Miami neutral for Miami home

Same five AAC East just flip home and away. Temple and UCF at home helps, UConn and ECU the where should not matter. By the time we play @USF they should be in annual swoon.

Best 11-1 and win AAC at Nippert and NY Bowl
Worst 7-5 and Toilet Bowl v Sunbelt
Likely 9-3 and Toilet Bowl v SEC

Good analysis; I'm inclined to agree. A much tougher schedule and some pretty big shoes to fill on defense. But still, a better UC team if they stay healthy and come together the way they did last season.

One advantage this team may have will be heightened expectations nationally. With a 9-3 record and at least splits vs. UCLA/OSU and UCF/Houston I could see the Bearcats filling an available (unfilled) bowl slot for a P5 conference vs. a P5 opponent. Unfortunately, that would be the best case scenario and it's dependent upon the failings of other teams to create that opportunity which is the curse of the G5.
 
06-10-2019 07:24 AM
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Topcat Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
I think our team will most certainly be better than they were last year. With a year of learning how to win and the key players we return, I don't know how we're not better.

That said, you can't really look at last year and predict this year. Maybe Memphis has an off year. Maybe Houston's QB gets injured again. You just never know because every year is a different story.

That said, one would think that if we're ever going to beat O$U this would have to be the year. New coach. New QB that hasn't been in the system. Lots of holes to fill on D. But the argument could be made that O$U was better last year before Urban the great came back. It all depends on if this Justin Fields guy is all that.

I will say this...

We're beating UCF.
 
06-10-2019 07:34 AM
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rosewater Offline
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Post: #11
RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 07:24 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 10:51 PM)doss2 Wrote:  2019 versus 2018:

Trade:
UCLA away to home
AL A&M for OSU
OU @ home for Marshall away
Tulane home for UH away
Navy for Tulsa both home
SMU for Memphis both away
Miami neutral for Miami home

Same five AAC East just flip home and away. Temple and UCF at home helps, UConn and ECU the where should not matter. By the time we play @USF they should be in annual swoon.

Best 11-1 and win AAC at Nippert and NY Bowl
Worst 7-5 and Toilet Bowl v Sunbelt
Likely 9-3 and Toilet Bowl v SEC

Good analysis; I'm inclined to agree. A much tougher schedule and some pretty big shoes to fill on defense. But still, a better UC team if they stay healthy and come together the way they did last season.

One advantage this team may have will be heightened expectations nationally. With a 9-3 record and at least splits vs. UCLA/OSU and UCF/Houston[b] I could see the Bearcats filling an available (unfilled) bowl slot for a P5 conference vs. a P5 opponent.[/b] Unfortunately, that would be the best case scenario and it's dependent upon the failings of other teams to create that opportunity which is the curse of the G5.

I would not count on this. The year that Houston had a super team that dominated both Oklahoma and Louisville but did not win the league ended up in the Hawaii bowl playing SD STATE.
 
06-10-2019 07:46 AM
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cincy7718 Offline
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Post: #12
RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
Bearcats really did a great job taking advantage of last years schedule. They were not a great team, but put together a great season and won almost every winnable game which luckily was the whole schedule besides UCF lol. That game showed how much farther the program needs to grow. It was a perfect storm for a rebuilding year with a low mid major schedule especially UCLA being so down and also in transition.

huge step up in competition this year, but still mid major and almost all games we should be able to compete in with our programs recent growth.

only real concerns are the lines. they're good enough to be competitive in the AAC, but if we're hoping for a big bowl game we'll need them to step up. any word on when Hudson's appeal will be decided?
 
06-10-2019 09:48 AM
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Cat-Man Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-09-2019 02:26 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 01:30 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  15-0.

If that happens, erect the statue of BDF.

And we'll be looking for a new HC again. But that also may happen if he wins 10+ games and/or are AAC Champs.
 
06-10-2019 10:35 AM
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dubcat14 Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 10:35 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 02:26 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 01:30 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  15-0.

If that happens, erect the statue of BDF.

And we'll be looking for a new HC again. But that also may happen if he wins 10+ games and/or are AAC Champs.

All hypotheticals and dream games from a 1 in a million chance but if 15-0 were to happen, there would be so many snowballing effects that would come from it.. losing a coach would be one of the very, very few negatives.. also have to wonder if we'd have enough momentum and new dollars to hang on to CLF.

Far more donation dollars, higher ticket sales/demand, further corporate support, larger fanbase in general from those on the fence, complete overhaul of the athletics budget, far more media coverage, higher rated recruits, possibly higher rated recruits for our conference mates, more than likely a better pool of coaches for a CLF replacement, more respect for the AAC and more pressure to expand the playoffs (or less because P5s would use it as proof that G5s are accepted)
 
06-10-2019 10:58 AM
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BearcatMan Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 10:58 AM)dubcat14 Wrote:  
(06-10-2019 10:35 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 02:26 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 01:30 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  15-0.

If that happens, erect the statue of BDF.

And we'll be looking for a new HC again. But that also may happen if he wins 10+ games and/or are AAC Champs.

All hypotheticals and dream games from a 1 in a million chance but if 15-0 were to happen, there would be so many snowballing effects that would come from it.. losing a coach would be one of the very, very few negatives.. also have to wonder if we'd have enough momentum and new dollars to hang on to CLF.

Far more donation dollars, higher ticket sales/demand, further corporate support, larger fanbase in general from those on the fence, complete overhaul of the athletics budget, far more media coverage, higher rated recruits, possibly higher rated recruits for our conference mates, more than likely a better pool of coaches for a CLF replacement, more respect for the AAC and more pressure to expand the playoffs (or less because P5s would use it as proof that G5s are accepted)

If we go 15-0 and make the playoff, I find it very hard to believe Fickell would leave...there would be very few greener pastures.

All of this won't happen though, as I project 8-4 or 9-3 and would be very happy with that
 
06-10-2019 11:01 AM
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Bearcat2012 Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
Win the east and host the conference championship game at Nippert . I think this is a realistic goal. Let the other pieces after that fall where they may.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-10-2019 11:03 AM by Bearcat2012.)
06-10-2019 11:02 AM
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 11:02 AM)Bearcat2012 Wrote:  Win the east and host the conference championship game at Nippert . I think this is a realistic goal. Let the other pieces after that fall where they may.

To me it's go at least 3-1 nonconference and win the east. I'd be disappointed with anything less than 9-3 this year. I think 9-3/10-2 seem like the median regular season records for this team. 8-4 or 7-5 seem like worst case scenario season. 11 wins plus would be awesome, best case stuff.
 
(This post was last modified: 06-10-2019 11:06 AM by bearcatmark.)
06-10-2019 11:06 AM
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digibrink Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 07:46 AM)rosewater Wrote:  
(06-10-2019 07:24 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 10:51 PM)doss2 Wrote:  2019 versus 2018:

Trade:
UCLA away to home
AL A&M for OSU
OU @ home for Marshall away
Tulane home for UH away
Navy for Tulsa both home
SMU for Memphis both away
Miami neutral for Miami home

Same five AAC East just flip home and away. Temple and UCF at home helps, UConn and ECU the where should not matter. By the time we play @USF they should be in annual swoon.

Best 11-1 and win AAC at Nippert and NY Bowl
Worst 7-5 and Toilet Bowl v Sunbelt
Likely 9-3 and Toilet Bowl v SEC

Good analysis; I'm inclined to agree. A much tougher schedule and some pretty big shoes to fill on defense. But still, a better UC team if they stay healthy and come together the way they did last season.

One advantage this team may have will be heightened expectations nationally. With a 9-3 record and at least splits vs. UCLA/OSU and UCF/Houston[b] I could see the Bearcats filling an available (unfilled) bowl slot for a P5 conference vs. a P5 opponent.[/b] Unfortunately, that would be the best case scenario and it's dependent upon the failings of other teams to create that opportunity which is the curse of the G5.

I would not count on this. The year that Houston had a super team that dominated both Oklahoma and Louisville but did not win the league ended up in the Hawaii bowl playing SD STATE.


College football is not giving a spot to a non-P5 school unless the rules dictate that they have to.
 
06-10-2019 11:17 AM
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OKIcat Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 11:17 AM)digibrink Wrote:  
(06-10-2019 07:46 AM)rosewater Wrote:  
(06-10-2019 07:24 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 10:51 PM)doss2 Wrote:  2019 versus 2018:

Trade:
UCLA away to home
AL A&M for OSU
OU @ home for Marshall away
Tulane home for UH away
Navy for Tulsa both home
SMU for Memphis both away
Miami neutral for Miami home

Same five AAC East just flip home and away. Temple and UCF at home helps, UConn and ECU the where should not matter. By the time we play @USF they should be in annual swoon.

Best 11-1 and win AAC at Nippert and NY Bowl
Worst 7-5 and Toilet Bowl v Sunbelt
Likely 9-3 and Toilet Bowl v SEC

Good analysis; I'm inclined to agree. A much tougher schedule and some pretty big shoes to fill on defense. But still, a better UC team if they stay healthy and come together the way they did last season.

One advantage this team may have will be heightened expectations nationally. With a 9-3 record and at least splits vs. UCLA/OSU and UCF/Houston[b] I could see the Bearcats filling an available (unfilled) bowl slot for a P5 conference vs. a P5 opponent.[/b] Unfortunately, that would be the best case scenario and it's dependent upon the failings of other teams to create that opportunity which is the curse of the G5.

I would not count on this. The year that Houston had a super team that dominated both Oklahoma and Louisville but did not win the league ended up in the Hawaii bowl playing SD STATE.


College football is not giving a spot to a non-P5 school unless the rules dictate that they have to.

It happens when P5 conferences with a boatload of contracted spots can't fulfill their obligation to a particular bowl. If Cincinnati wins 10 games and/or is ranked, but does not win the conference, the 'Cats will be an attractive alternative. It's all about selling tickets and Cincy travels well for bowls, especially given a brand name P5 opponent and favorable geographic location.
 
06-10-2019 01:11 PM
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BearcatsUC Offline
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RE: Bearcats Football Will Enjoy A Special Season
(06-10-2019 11:01 AM)BearcatMan Wrote:  
(06-10-2019 10:58 AM)dubcat14 Wrote:  
(06-10-2019 10:35 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 02:26 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  
(06-09-2019 01:30 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  15-0.

If that happens, erect the statue of BDF.

And we'll be looking for a new HC again. But that also may happen if he wins 10+ games and/or are AAC Champs.

All hypotheticals and dream games from a 1 in a million chance but if 15-0 were to happen, there would be so many snowballing effects that would come from it.. losing a coach would be one of the very, very few negatives.. also have to wonder if we'd have enough momentum and new dollars to hang on to CLF.

Far more donation dollars, higher ticket sales/demand, further corporate support, larger fanbase in general from those on the fence, complete overhaul of the athletics budget, far more media coverage, higher rated recruits, possibly higher rated recruits for our conference mates, more than likely a better pool of coaches for a CLF replacement, more respect for the AAC and more pressure to expand the playoffs (or less because P5s would use it as proof that G5s are accepted)

If we go 15-0 and make the playoff, I find it very hard to believe Fickell would leave...there would be very few greener pastures.

All of this won't happen though, as I project 8-4 or 9-3 and would be very happy with that

If UC goes 15-0 there will be plenty of green to lead Fickell to other pastures.
 
06-10-2019 04:32 PM
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