Cincinnati (4-5) At South Florida (5-3)

[fireflycpa_bull]

Cincinnati (4-5) At South Florida (5-3)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Raymond James Stadium (41,441) -- Tampa, Florida. Television: ESPN+. Home Record: Cincinnati 3-2, USF 3-0. Away Record: Cincinnati 1-3, USF 2-3. Neutral Record: Cincinnati 0-0, USF 0-0. Conference Record: Cincinnati 2-3, USF 3-1. Series Record: Series is tied, 1-1.

GAME NOTES: The South Florida Bulls try to remain in contention for a BCS Bowl bid this Saturday when they host the Cincinnati Bearcats in Big East Conference play from Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls enter the game on a high note, as they concluded a four-game road swing with a 27-0 victory over Syracuse. It was the second win in a row by USF, which improved to 5-3 overall and 3-1 in league play. The win was even more important to the team's hopes of winning the Big East, as it stands just one game behind West Virginia in the loss column for first place. The Bulls and Mountaineers will meet in their season-finale, which could determine who goes to a BCS Bowl game. As for Cincinnati, it took on nationally-ranked WVU last week only to be punished 38-0. The loss was the second in the last three games by the Bearcats, dropping them to 4-5 overall and 2-3 in league play. Saturday's game will mark just the third all-time meeting between Cincinnati and USF, with each team winning a contest in the series.

The Bearcats haven't had much success on the offensive side of things this year and enter the game averaging a mere 18.6 ppg behind a modest 340.1 total ypg. The biggest problem for the Cincinnati offense has been protecting the ball, as it has committed 22 turnovers in nine games. In the team's last game, the Bearcat offense was simply dismal, as it gained just 269 total yards while committing four turnovers in a 38-0 loss to WVU. QB Dustin Grutza had his share of problems, as he threw for just 110 yards and an interception on 15-of-21 pass attempts. Grutza has gone through some growing pains in his first year as a starter and has thrown for just 1,389 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He hasn't had many weapons to work with, but Bradley Glatthaar has at least provided him and the team with a decent option in the backfield. Glatthaar currently leads the team with 544 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.

Defensively, the Bearcats have been every bit as bad as their offense and are giving up 30.0 ppg and 388.8 total ypg to opposing clubs. The unit has struggled against the run (161.9 ypg) and pass (226.9 ypg), with 20 touchdowns surrendered on the ground. Last week, Cincinnati was simply dominated by the WVU offense, as it allowed 406 total yards, including 297 yards on the ground. The unit failed to force a single turnover, while allowing four rushing touchdowns. Haruki Nakamura paced the defense in defeat with 12 tackles and a sack. He currently ranks second on the team in tackles with 63 to his credit.

The Bulls have been nothing short of solid on the offensive side of the ball, as they are turning in 27.8 ppg behind 363.8 total ypg. The team has really thrived behind a strong ground attack, which is averaging a healthy 234.8 ypg with 19 touchdowns. In the team's last game, the Bulls' explosive ground game was on display, rushing for 338 yards on 51 carries in a 27-0 victory over Syracuse. Andre Hall led the way by rushing for 222 yards and three scores on 24 carries. It was one of the best efforts of the year by Hall, who has rushed for 988 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games. Hall has also been a threat in the passing game, catching a team-high 19 passes for 235 yards and two scores. Getting him the ball is Pat Julmiste, who hasn't had to throw the ball much this year with the effectiveness of the ground game. In eight games, Julmiste has thrown for just 952 yards with five touchdowns against six interceptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, USF ranks among the top units in the Big East, allowing just 17.9 ppg and 305.8 total ypg. The defense has come up with big plays time after time and has recorded 23 turnovers, including 11 interceptions, through eight games. Last weekend, the Bulls put forth a tremendous defensive effort, as they shut out Syracuse, while allowing just 182 total yards of offense. The unit also created three turnovers, in addition to recording four sacks. Ben Moffitt led the way with 10 tackles, while Stephen Nicholas added eight stops and a sack. The two have been outstanding for the Bulls this year and have combined for 117 stops, 21 TFLs and eight sacks.

USF has a lot to play for and can ill afford a loss if it wants to remain in the hunt for the Big East title. With a solid defensive effort and their strong ground attack, the Bulls should have no trouble posting a victory over a sup par Cincinnati team.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: South Florida 31, Cincinnati 14

[Zonald]

The team that scores more points will win when it's all said and done.

[BULLfreak]

the team that gives up the least amount of pts will win

[Bishop of Bulltown]

he predicted the same score I did... a little victory a la UCF style

i think we should just call that a medieval style victory  8)

[fireflycpa_bull]

Hey guys - Don't I get a high five for a good first post.

You guys are brutal (JJ).  I am big fan of this board for many years and finally got the balls to register.  It's a great board and I am looking to whip Cincy.

By the way...the Orange Bowl Committee (who selects the teams in its BCS bowl) is a client of mine.  So any information that I can share, I will.

[Velcro]

Very good find Firefly

[E.T.]

Welcome aboard ... and curious as to why some are hesitant to register with the Best Message Board on the BEST Football site the internet has known?

Go BULLS !!!

[BullDoug]

Here's your at-a-boy.  ;D

[USFPDiddy]

Welcome aboard ... and curious as to why some are hesitant to register with the Best Message Board on the BEST Football site the internet has known?

Go BULLS !!!

High standards can be scary to some.  You have to be a competitor to be like us ;D

[lotsofbull99]

Cincy Will Destroy us!