Deposit Instantly Using Your Credit Card at Sportsbook.com!

2009 Cincinnati College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

cincy 7309 Head coach Brian Kelly has led the Cincinnati Bearcats to a 22-6 record in his first two seasons at the controls. He finished the 2008-09 season 11-3, winning the Big East with a 6-1 record to earn the conferences Orange Bowl bid. Kelly has a proven track record, with a career mark of 159-57-2 over 18 seasons so it is not out of the question for him to have the Bearcats back in the Orange Bowl despite losing 10 starters on the defense. Cincinnati is listed at +8,000 to win the 2009 BCS Championship.

Bet on NCAA football at BetUS in 2009 and get up to 145% in sign up bonuses!

Offense – When you consider how good the offense has been each of the last two seasons with tons of quarterback issues, how can you expect anything less than a superb offensive season for the Bearcats in 2009 without any uncertainty at the position. Senior quarterback Tony Pike returns to run the show following a 2,407-yard and 19-touchdown campaign. The Bearcats still have game-breaking wide receiver Mardy Gilyard to stretch the defense as well. Gilyard was sensational last season, catching 81 passes for 1,276 yards and 11 scores. The receiving corps will get a boost from highly touted juco transfer Jamar Howard as well. The offensive line is deep and talented with Jeff Linkenbach, Jason Kelce, and Chris Jurek returning. The running game should be solid with John Goebel and Jacob Ramsey coming back. Ramsey led the Cats in rushing a season ago, picking up 664 yards and two touchdowns on 152 caries. Kelly figures to throw sophomore Isaiah Pead and redshirt freshman Darrin Williams in their also as these two youngsters have the potential to be homerun threats. The offense averaged a more than respectable 25.9 points per game last season, but this unit appears capable of putting up 30-plus all season long.

Defense – As I already mentioned, the Bearcats return only one starter on this side of the football, safety Aaron Webster, but in the weakest BCS league, that is not enough of a factor to condemn them. More than a few players are ready and capable to take on larger roles, including defensive tackle Derek Wolfe and defensive end Curtis Young up front. Young picked up four quarterback sacks last season and should be able to double that number in a full-time role. Linebacker J.K. Shaffer and safety Drew Frey are also ready to step up. Frey was on the verge of becoming a full-time starter last season, starting one game before going down with a broken leg.

Prediction: 1st Big East Conference – The Cats lost a lot on defense, but I have faith that one of the best coaching staffs in the league will find a way to shore things up on that side of the football. The offense is poised for a big season and I think it will be able to make up for anything lacking on the defensive side. In a down year for the Big East, I expect the Bearcats to rise to the top again. Cincinnati is listed at +800 to win the 2009 Big East title.

Dominate the college football odds this season with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks.

Winning more football picks starts with Locksmith Sports!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in: