The Bearcats went 1-1 last week in what was, and what will turn out to be, their most difficult two-game stretch of the season. That, to me, is a success. I knew going in it was unlikely the Bearcats would win both road games, but them splitting the road trip still has them in position to win at least a share of the regular-season title. And like I mentioned, I think this team can also be a threat in the NCAA Tournament.
Speaking of the regular-season title, this Sunday the Bearcats will be battling the team they went toe-to-toe with last year atop the American Athletic Conference: Wichita State. Despite the Shockers having a drastically different team than last year, this Sunday’s game is a big one for two reasons.
1. It’s obvious by now, and it was obvious after the South Florida game, that every team is going to give its best shot against the reigning AAC-champion Bearcats. But when I think of this game, I think about how the Shockers defeated the Bearcats at their temporary home last year at NKU. And with that, I think will come a Bearcats team seeking revenge. The Bearcats are the hunted this year in the American, but I think they will be the hunters on Sunday because of what happened last year, coming off a tough loss Sunday at Houston that dropped them out of first place and having not played since then. Also, remember that Wichita State hasn’t played, yet, in Fifth Third Arena since joining the AAC.
2. Wichita State has won four in a row and is playing with a lot of confidence. Watching the Bearcats play them back in January, I didn’t recognize anybody on the Shockers. Now, though, I acknowledge that they have some talent. Markis McDuffie was an NBA prospect last year for a reason: he can score the basketball. He also has some help with Samajae Haynes-Jones and Jamie Echenique, the latter evolving into a potent force in the interior. While the Shockers don’t have an eye-popping win over their last four games, wins are still wins. Those wins are a testament to head coach Gregg Marshall being able to mold a team together. When you count out the Shockers, they’ll find a way to put themselves back on the radar. And as much as the Bearcats will be seeking revenge on Sunday, the Shockers know they can win.
Final thoughts on Sunday’s game: This game could be won in the first 10 minutes if Cincinnati is able to stomp on the Shockers throats and keep their feet on the gas. If, however, the latter doesn’t happen or the Bearcats come out sluggish, this could be another close battle between the Bearcats and the Shockers.
Remaining schedule (I think they WILL win out)
vs. Wichita State: refer to above
vs. UCF: The Knights are an inconsistent road team, but they’ll come in wanting to get a signature win for their tournament resume. Their versatility could present matchup problems for the Bearcats.
@ UConn: No Jalen Adams, shouldn’t be too difficult.
@ SMU: You never know with this being a 9 p.m. tip-off on the road, but I’m predicting a win.
vs. Memphis: The Tigers are terrible on the road. This should be a win.
@ UCF: This road game can’t be overlooked for the regular-season finale vs. Houston. It will be a lot like the game at Memphis.
vs. Houston: WIN! It’s Senior Day with potentially a regular-season title on the line.
Hope Spring’s Eternal
Pitchers and catchers have reported. That feels really good to say, and even more so this year. I’ll admit, this is the first time I’ve been excited about Reds Baseball since 2013. What they’ve done this offseason has completely rejuvenated the Reds fan in me. Yasiel Puig has the potential to be a celebrity in this city, if he’s not already. I’m already picturing what it would be like if homers in his first at bat on Opening Day, and he probably can’t wait for that special day here in the Queen City. I know for sure he’ll be a rock star during the Opening Day parade.
It’s not just Puig, though. It’s the arrivals of Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Alex Wood to the pitching staff, Tucker Barnhart not being dealt and the Reds top prospects still being here that have me excited for the season. Will this team make the playoffs? Maybe. But at least I am excited for baseball season and to see what this Reds team can do.
Not looking too far ahead but…
The 2019 Bearcats football schedule is out and, honestly, I’m not thrilled by it. Yes, playing UCLA at home on ESPN to start the season will be amazing, and the game at Ohio State could be really something. But other than that, I’m not thrilled.
The schedule is definitely front-loaded. The first five games will be tough, and it could make or break the Bearcats chances at a conference championship and possibly a New Year’s Six bowl. Go 3-2, and the Bearcats will be just fine.
We should be playing UCF late in the season on a Saturday night, not in the first conference game on a Friday night. I was really looking forward to the possibility of College Gameday coming to Cincinnati, but that’s not happening now apparently. The Bearcats conference fate could be decided in that first conference game, which isn’t, I think, right, and why have this game on a Friday night in October during the meat of high school football here in the Queen City?
Finally, two bye weeks? Sure, it allows for rest for the players and coaches, but I’m not thrilled with that. I don’t like the idea of two separate weeks in the Fall without a Bearcats game.
I’ll have more thoughts on the recruiting class later, but my initial thoughts are that it is a reflection of Luke Fickell being able to recruit players from, as he calls it, the “State of Cincinnati.” It also shows they’re stretching their recruiting radius to areas outside of Cincinnati and the TriState.
Let me be Frank and Cut to the Chase 