The University of Arizona football team (6-3, 3-3 in Big 12) will play against the No. 22 University of Cincinnati (7-2, 5-1 in Big 12) on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Nippert Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. MST.
This will be the first ever matchup between Arizona and Cincinnati. The Wildcats’ 24-20 victory over the University of Kansas last week made them bowl eligible for the first time under head coach Brent Brennan. Brennan now looks to secure his second win against a ranked opponent since taking over at Arizona and the first this season.
Cincinnati got dismantled 45-14 last weekend against the University of Utah, but the Bearcats still control their own Big 12 destiny. If Cincinnati wins out, they will earn a spot in the championship game for Big 12 and have a chance to make the College Football Playoffs.
Cincinnati so far
This is Cincinnati’s best season under head coach Scott Satterfield. After losing its opener to the University of Nebraska, Cincinnati rattled off seven straight wins. The loss to Utah last weekend was by far their worst performance of the year.
Quarterback Brendan Sorsby leads a balanced offensive attack. Sorsby has been impressive all year, throwing 21 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Sorsby ranks second among Big 12 quarterbacks in passer rating. His favorite target is wide receiver Cyrus Allen who leads all Big 12 wide receivers in touchdowns with 10.
Cincinnati’s rushing attack is led by Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor. The duo averages a combined 119 rushing yards per game. Pryor has not played since week 9, but the tailback is trending towards a return against Arizona. Sorsby is effective on the ground as well, averaging 50.3 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, the Bearcats have been a below-average unit, lacking playmakers both up front and in the secondary. The defense currently ranks outside the top 75 nationally in total yards allowed. Cincinnati surrendered 480 total yards last week against Utah, exposing its vulnerability against high-powered offenses.
Arizona so far
In the Wildcats’ last game, running back Quincy Craig scored a 24-yard rushing touchdown in the last minute of the game to help Arizona secure a 24-20 win over Kansas. That was 1 of 2 touchdowns for Craig, who was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.
Quarterback Noah Fifita recorded his fifth game of the season with multiple touchdown passes and no interceptions. Fifita has been outstanding all year and is just 1 touchdown pass away from becoming Arizona’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns. Brennan continues to utilize multiple running backs. Ismail Mahdi has been the most effective all year, leading the team in rushing yards last week with 61. Kris Hutson and Javin Whatley have been the team’s best receivers this year. Wide receiver Gio Richardson has come on as of late, leading the team in receiving yards the past 2 weeks.
Defensively, Arizona had another great performance against Kansas. Arizona held the Jayhawks to 20 points and got crucial stops late in the game. The Wildcats’ defense is among the top 25 units in the nation in total defense (17th), turnovers gained (10th), team TFL (17th), pass efficiency defense (second), passing defense (seventh), interceptions (seventh) and first downs defense (16th).
Keys to the game
For Cincinnati, the defense must bounce back after surrendering 45 points to Utah. Utah ran for 267 yards, the most Cincinnati has allowed all year. Satterfield’s defense has to be better against a Wildcat backfield with multiple playmakers. On offense, Cincinnati must be able to run the ball. Arizona is better against the pass than the run. Establishing the run game will allow Cincinnati to have long, productive drives. Cincinnati will also look to cut down on the penalties after recording eight against Utah.
Arizona must capitalize on a below-average Cincinnati defense. The Wildcats have the playmakers to attack the Bearcats both through the air and on the ground. Taking care of the football and executing well on first down will be key to sustaining drives and maintaining momentum. If Arizona keeps it close, Fifita will need to stay poised and efficient down the stretch in a tough road environment. Defensively, Arizona’s secondary must step up and create turnovers against a quarterback who has thrown only two interceptions all season.
Prediction
If this game were played in Tucson, the edge would be given to Arizona as they will have success against an unimpressive defense. However, Cincinnati is coming off a bye week and understands the importance of every remaining game. It is hard to beat teams on their home field that are led by a quarterback who protects the football, which is what Sorsby does best. Arizona will score enough to keep it interesting but the Bearcats will hold them off to keep their Big 12 Championship hopes alive.
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