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Cincinnati at West Virginia Football Odds & Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

A pair of 6-2 teams meet on Saturday as the West Virginia Mountaineers host the Cincinnati Bearcats in a crucial Big East game for both teams. West Virginia has yet to lose in the conference, while Cincinnati sits tied for second place at 2-1 in Big East play. West Virginia has been on a tear as of late. After losing shockers to East Carolina and Colorado, they’ve gotten back on track, won 5 games in a row, and been set back in the top 25, currently at 20th in the nation. Cincinnati played on Thrusday last week with an impressive 14 point win over the then 24th ranked South Florida Bulls. West Virginia’s hold on first in the conference is in jepordy, but they do have the luxury of playing on their home field. BetUs.com places West Virginia as 7 point favorites over Cincinnati with the total at 44.5 points.

Cincinnati has had to adapt to their quarterback situation, but they’ve handled it very well. Tony Pike has been the go-to guy for the most part, but the Bearcats have rotated in four different QBs to help them handle different situations, and to see who could step up and take over as the leader of the team. Pike had an impressive showing last week against a tough South Florida team and he looks to be the in position to have a more permanent starting job. Cincy will need to establish some kind of running game against the Mountaineers, however. The ‘Cats have a threat in Mardy Gilyard at wide receiver, but beyond that they have few options through the air.

The Bearcats’ defense has been very solid all season long and is one of the main reasons for the success of this team. This team understands how to find their opponent’s strengths and contain them. So far only two teams have had too many strengths to contain, but West Virginia is the type of team that may have too many weapons to cover at once. The standout player for the defense this year has been Connor Barwin, who is 16th in the nation in sacks per game and has blocked three kicks already this season. Despite Barwin’s dynamic play, Cincinnati is a 7 point underdog on Saturday.

Pat White and the West Virginia offense are having another year to remember. The Mountaineers come into the game as the 10th ranked rushing offense in the nation. The passing game isn’t a priority averaging just 124.9 yards per game, but when the running game is working, there really isn’t much reason to throw the ball. White will be the focuse for the Cincinnati defense this week, but every team keys on him every week and he’s still been able to accomplish some amazing things throughout his career.

West Virginia’s defense has really picked up the slack after a slow start to the 2008 season. Now allowing just 14.8 points per game, the Mountaineers have the best defense in the Big East. West Virginia showed last week just why they are so dangerous, forcing 5 turnovers and shutting out their opponent. It’s not far fetched to think that the Mountaineers could be in place to notch their second straight shutout this weekend. Nevertheless, West Virginia is a 7 point favorite coming into Saturday’s contest.

West Virginia has done everything right since their losses to Colorado and East Carolina. They still have a lot to prove outside the Big East, but for now they are the class of the conference. Cincinnati has plenty to be proud of this season, including a likely trip to a bowl game, if their defense can figure out a way to keep Pat White somewhat contained, they have an outside chance at the upset.

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Written by Steve Janus on November 5, 2008 · Filed Under College Football Betting Articles, News & Previews