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| Sunday, August 12 Updated: August 14, 8:37 AM ET Running game may carry Bearcats to another bowl game By Eric Crawford Special to ESPN.com |
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Cincinnati Bearcats 2000 record: 7-5 (5-2) Coach: Rick Minter (7th year, 34-44-1). Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense, 2 kickers. Outlook: The Bearcats have two of C-USA's best runners in DeMarco McCleskey and Ray Jackson and they'll run behind one of the top offensive lines in the league, with four starters returning. Former Fresno State head coach Dave Baldwin has taken over the offensive coordinator job and would like to keep the ball in the air, but may be a bit short-handed at receiver and will have to break in a new QB. Adam Hoover played well in relief of Deontey Kenner last season, but has been competing with Arizona State transfer John Leonard. Defense could be a problem for the Bearcats. Three starters are back on the line, but Minter must replace his entire linebacking corps. The kicking game is a strength, with Lou Groza Award winner Jonathan Ruffin returning after making 26 of 29 field goals last season. Keep an eye on: Gino Guidugli. The true freshman quarterback from Fort Thomas (Ky.) Highlands is one of the highest-profile recruits in Minter's tenure. After backing out of a verbal commitment to Kentucky when Hal Mumme resigned, Guidugli chose to stay close to home at Cincinnati instead of heading north to Notre Dame. Minter has said he won't rush the freshman, but the question all season is likely to be, when will Guidugli get in? Key game: The Bearcats' opener against Purdue at home on Sept. 2 is a winnable game, as are their three games after that. A 4-0 start might give the team's young players sufficient confidence to carry the momentum into a manageable conference schedule. It's a good year if... The Bearcats manage a winning record. Their kicking game and strong running attack helped boost them to some big wins a year ago. This year, the running game will need to chew up possession, which it should be able to do. But a second bowl berth may be too much to ask. Eric Crawford covers Conference USA for the Louisville Courier-Journal. |
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