3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2004 Cincinnati Bearcat Game Preview
written by
FKAGobucks877, daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, vrbryant, and 3yardsandacloud
written by
FKAGobucks877, daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, vrbryant, and 3yardsandacloud
Cincinnati Bearcat Game Preview-Part One
This is the first in a series of articles that will break down upcoming opponents of the 2004 Ohio State Buckeye football team. Kicking off the list are the Cincinnati Bearcats. Bearcats Head Coach Mark Dantonio should be very familiar to OSU fans, having been the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons under Jim Tressel. The experienced, senior-rich squad at UC should pose a good first test for the Buckeyes who lost 14 players to the NFL draft this past season. If Dantonio can overcome the problems that face a team dealing with a coaching change, and take advantage of eight years spent coaching under Jim Tressel, we could (much like two years ago) be in for a closer game than most anticipate. So, without further ado ...
Date and Time
Game time: Saturday, September 4th, 2004
12:00 noon EDT Kick-off at Ohio Stadium
ESPN (Regional) will cover the game
12:00 noon EDT Kick-off at Ohio Stadium
ESPN (Regional) will cover the game
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Preview
Returning Starters: 9
Returning nine starters, this Cincinnati offense is extremely experienced. Unfortunately, that is also their biggest strength. Their leading returning rusher had only 777 yards and 8 TDs last year, and their leading returning receiver had only 30 catches for 270 yards, scoring 0 TDs. All in all, this is a team that has battled together before - just not with a whole lot of success.
Quarterbacks
QB #8 Gino Guidugli (6-3 225 Sr.)
Guidugli has been the Bearcats' starter since he was a freshman. This year he will be entering his senior year, and he holds virtually every passing record at the University of Cincinnati. He has shown flashes of brilliance, and is probably Cincinnati’s best pro prospect, yet he had a subpar year in 2003, when his passer rating fell to a career low 113, and his accuracy noticeably deteriorated. Additionally, Guidugli's largest downfall has always been his questionable decision making, and last year was no different. He threw fewer interceptions than his sophomore year, but as Buckeye fans know all too well, many of those came at critical moments in games. He also threw for 800 fewer yards, but some of that can be chalked up to his inexperienced wide receivers. At the same time, however, Guidugli has grown from the skinny frosh of three years ago, and as always, his mobility and arm strength will make him a desirable NFL prospect.
Quarterback Rating: B - Cincinnati has the advantage if you compare QB to QB, simply because of Guidugli’s experience.
Running Backs
RB #24 Richard Hall (5-11 209 Sr.)
FB #44 Evan Sparks (6-0 205 So.)
Richard Hall, Sr. – Hall is very fast, and has also shown flashes of brilliance. In two games last year, against Miami University and Southern Miss, Hall ran for 275 yards, which shows you just how good this kid could be. The problem is, he keeps getting hurt. After getting banged up last year, Hall could only manage a total of 111 yards in his last five games. He does have experience, however, and most Ohio State fans are familiar with him and his abilities.
Evan Sparks, So. – Fullback is one area where the Bearcats are inexperienced, as projected starter Evan Sparks will show. As the co-Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year last season Evan saw action in only one game. Truth is that the FB position could also be manned by Kyle Koester who played some at the end of last season. Or possibly freshman Brad Bury or Jon Carpenter.
EDIT: A good friend of Evan's sent us a message saying that Evan is actually a redshirt Freshman this season and did not see any playing time last season. He will be competing for time at FB, but is currently 3rd on the depth chart.
Running Back Rating: C - Hall is experienced, but the nose dive he took at the end of 2003 was comparable to Wayne Newton’s career. Nobody else is experienced, so if Hall goes down, as he is prone to do, this running attack will suffer.
Wide Receivers
WR #22 Derrick Ross (5-10 191 Jr.)
WR #7 George Murray II (6-1 194 Sr.)
WR #9 Hannibal Thomas (6-3 205 Sr.)
Derrick Ross – At 5-10, 191, Ross is quick, but not powerful. He led the team in total yardage, with 483 yards, averaging 17.1 per catch. He only has one TD grab in his career, however, and is not a big threat over the middle.
George Murray, II – Murray is the top returning receiver, with 30 receptions last year, but those 30 snags turned into only 270 yards. He has amazing speed, but averaged only 9 yards a catch, and also splits duties, as he is also the second string QB.
Hannibal Thomas – Former JUCO transfer. He has the best size, at 6-3, and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. He didn’t see a lot of time until about halfway through the season, but he has the potential to be the best in this group.
Wide Receiver Rating: D - Last year, UC’s receivers were just flat out horrible. They have everyone back, but I don’t know if that means a whole lot. Looking at the numbers, there just isn’t anything to be positive about here - if you’re a Bearcat fan.
Tight Ends
TE #89 A. J. Lucius (6-3 250 Sr.)
A. J. Lucius – At UC, I don’t know that the Tight End position is even worth mentioning by itself. I should probably have thrown this position in with the Offensive Line, as Lucius is a three year starter, yet has only six catches in his entire career. The 250 pound Senior is nothing but an additional blocker, and I certainly don’t believe Dantonio will do much to change that.
Offensive Line
OL #71 Steve Eastlake (6-5 294 Sr.)
OL #75 Kyle Takavitz (6-4 310 Sr.)
OL #58 Matt Webster (6-3 284 Jr.)
OL #65 Matt Mercer (6-3 320 Sr.)
OL #77 Clint Stickdorn (6-6 327 Sr.)
Steve Eastlake – He is the returning starter at left tackle. Reliable, but not stellar. Known for his excellent feet.
Kyle Takavitz – Guard. Easily the best player on this O-Line, this former tackle has started every game in the last two years, and is the only returning All-Conference offensive player. He is strong, and is an exceptional pass-blocker.
Matt Webster – Center. He has some experience, but not a lot is known about him. This will be his first year starting.
Matt Mercer – Guard. Mercer is a former defensive tackle, and played injured most of last season. He has experience, and is pretty agile for his size.
Clint Stickdorn – Former tight end. At 6-6, 308 pounds, he has the size to run block, and the long arms to pass block.
Offensive Line Rating: C - Takavitz is good, but he is the only proven one. The rest of this O-Line is made up of inexperienced players, some of whom are playing a new position. Takovitz is the only reason this line makes a C.
Analysis
Quarterback and running back are the only positions in this entire offense that have ever proven they are capable. For the RB position, even that is a stretch. Most reading this will know enough about Richard Hall to know he is better than his stats indicate, but after him, there is nobody. I intentionally left Delbert Ferguson out of this preview, as he is still nursing an ankle injury, and is not expected to play against Ohio State. Guidugli is a gamer, and is always dangerous, but he still does not have any exceptional targets to throw to, and his blockers probably aren’t going to give him a whole lot of time to scan the field.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
Returning nine starters, this Cincinnati offense is extremely experienced. Unfortunately, that is also their biggest strength. Their leading returning rusher had only 777 yards and 8 TDs last year, and their leading returning receiver had only 30 catches for 270 yards, scoring 0 TDs. All in all, this is a team that has battled together before - just not with a whole lot of success.
Quarterbacks
QB #8 Gino Guidugli (6-3 225 Sr.)
Guidugli has been the Bearcats' starter since he was a freshman. This year he will be entering his senior year, and he holds virtually every passing record at the University of Cincinnati. He has shown flashes of brilliance, and is probably Cincinnati’s best pro prospect, yet he had a subpar year in 2003, when his passer rating fell to a career low 113, and his accuracy noticeably deteriorated. Additionally, Guidugli's largest downfall has always been his questionable decision making, and last year was no different. He threw fewer interceptions than his sophomore year, but as Buckeye fans know all too well, many of those came at critical moments in games. He also threw for 800 fewer yards, but some of that can be chalked up to his inexperienced wide receivers. At the same time, however, Guidugli has grown from the skinny frosh of three years ago, and as always, his mobility and arm strength will make him a desirable NFL prospect.
Back-ups: George Murray, Sr. – Murray will line up at WR more often than QB, but he is the top back-up. He is very fast, and experienced enough to fill in adequately should Guidugli go down.
Collin Carey, Jr. – Don’t know much about him. He mostly practices on special teams as the kick holder, and it would take a lot for him to see the field as the signal caller.
Todd Spitzer, RF – Will not see the field, but worth mentioning for the future. Spitzer is a 6-5, 220 redshirt-freshman, and he is said to have a fantastic arm and great mobility. Watch for this one down the road.
Collin Carey, Jr. – Don’t know much about him. He mostly practices on special teams as the kick holder, and it would take a lot for him to see the field as the signal caller.
Todd Spitzer, RF – Will not see the field, but worth mentioning for the future. Spitzer is a 6-5, 220 redshirt-freshman, and he is said to have a fantastic arm and great mobility. Watch for this one down the road.
Quarterback Rating: B - Cincinnati has the advantage if you compare QB to QB, simply because of Guidugli’s experience.
Running Backs
RB #24 Richard Hall (5-11 209 Sr.)
FB #44 Evan Sparks (6-0 205 So.)
Richard Hall, Sr. – Hall is very fast, and has also shown flashes of brilliance. In two games last year, against Miami University and Southern Miss, Hall ran for 275 yards, which shows you just how good this kid could be. The problem is, he keeps getting hurt. After getting banged up last year, Hall could only manage a total of 111 yards in his last five games. He does have experience, however, and most Ohio State fans are familiar with him and his abilities.
Evan Sparks, So. – Fullback is one area where the Bearcats are inexperienced, as projected starter Evan Sparks will show. As the co-Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year last season Evan saw action in only one game. Truth is that the FB position could also be manned by Kyle Koester who played some at the end of last season. Or possibly freshman Brad Bury or Jon Carpenter.
EDIT: A good friend of Evan's sent us a message saying that Evan is actually a redshirt Freshman this season and did not see any playing time last season. He will be competing for time at FB, but is currently 3rd on the depth chart.
Backups: Carl Jones, Jr. – Ex-WR. Flashy and fast, but no power. Ran for 410 yards and 1 TD in 2003.
Kyle Koester, Jr. – Power back. At 240 pounds, he is the short-yardage back.
Derrick Eddington, So. – Small, but quick. Fastest Bearcat RB.
Kyle Koester, Jr. – Power back. At 240 pounds, he is the short-yardage back.
Derrick Eddington, So. – Small, but quick. Fastest Bearcat RB.
Running Back Rating: C - Hall is experienced, but the nose dive he took at the end of 2003 was comparable to Wayne Newton’s career. Nobody else is experienced, so if Hall goes down, as he is prone to do, this running attack will suffer.
Wide Receivers
WR #22 Derrick Ross (5-10 191 Jr.)
WR #7 George Murray II (6-1 194 Sr.)
WR #9 Hannibal Thomas (6-3 205 Sr.)
Derrick Ross – At 5-10, 191, Ross is quick, but not powerful. He led the team in total yardage, with 483 yards, averaging 17.1 per catch. He only has one TD grab in his career, however, and is not a big threat over the middle.
George Murray, II – Murray is the top returning receiver, with 30 receptions last year, but those 30 snags turned into only 270 yards. He has amazing speed, but averaged only 9 yards a catch, and also splits duties, as he is also the second string QB.
Hannibal Thomas – Former JUCO transfer. He has the best size, at 6-3, and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. He didn’t see a lot of time until about halfway through the season, but he has the potential to be the best in this group.
Backups: Cedrick Dawley, Sr., Mike Daniels, So., Bill Poland, So., Brent Celek, So.
Wide Receiver Rating: D - Last year, UC’s receivers were just flat out horrible. They have everyone back, but I don’t know if that means a whole lot. Looking at the numbers, there just isn’t anything to be positive about here - if you’re a Bearcat fan.
Tight Ends
TE #89 A. J. Lucius (6-3 250 Sr.)
A. J. Lucius – At UC, I don’t know that the Tight End position is even worth mentioning by itself. I should probably have thrown this position in with the Offensive Line, as Lucius is a three year starter, yet has only six catches in his entire career. The 250 pound Senior is nothing but an additional blocker, and I certainly don’t believe Dantonio will do much to change that.
Offensive Line
OL #71 Steve Eastlake (6-5 294 Sr.)
OL #75 Kyle Takavitz (6-4 310 Sr.)
OL #58 Matt Webster (6-3 284 Jr.)
OL #65 Matt Mercer (6-3 320 Sr.)
OL #77 Clint Stickdorn (6-6 327 Sr.)
Steve Eastlake – He is the returning starter at left tackle. Reliable, but not stellar. Known for his excellent feet.
Kyle Takavitz – Guard. Easily the best player on this O-Line, this former tackle has started every game in the last two years, and is the only returning All-Conference offensive player. He is strong, and is an exceptional pass-blocker.
Matt Webster – Center. He has some experience, but not a lot is known about him. This will be his first year starting.
Matt Mercer – Guard. Mercer is a former defensive tackle, and played injured most of last season. He has experience, and is pretty agile for his size.
Clint Stickdorn – Former tight end. At 6-6, 308 pounds, he has the size to run block, and the long arms to pass block.
Offensive Line Rating: C - Takavitz is good, but he is the only proven one. The rest of this O-Line is made up of inexperienced players, some of whom are playing a new position. Takovitz is the only reason this line makes a C.
Analysis
Quarterback and running back are the only positions in this entire offense that have ever proven they are capable. For the RB position, even that is a stretch. Most reading this will know enough about Richard Hall to know he is better than his stats indicate, but after him, there is nobody. I intentionally left Delbert Ferguson out of this preview, as he is still nursing an ankle injury, and is not expected to play against Ohio State. Guidugli is a gamer, and is always dangerous, but he still does not have any exceptional targets to throw to, and his blockers probably aren’t going to give him a whole lot of time to scan the field.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
Cincinnati Bearcat Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 8
Cincinnati’s defense features a very senior laden squad. In fact 10 of the 11 projected starters are seniors. Cincinnati also returns 3 all conference players from the 2003 squad. Two of the honor winners hold down the fort at defensive end, which appears to be Cincinnati’s strongest position.
Defensive Line
DE #90 Trent Cole (6-4 248 Sr.)
DT #93 Mike Wright (6-5 290 Sr.)
DT #95 Lonnie Simmons (6-4 301 Sr.)
DE #91 Andre Frazier (6-5 240 Sr.)
Trent Cole returns for his senior campaign after being voted first team all conference USA during his junior year. Coles’ name has popped up on the watch list for the Ted Hendricks award, which awards the top defensive end in country. He had a very solid year in 2003 amassing 88 tackles and 5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, including a 14 tackle, 3 tackle for loss performance against Temple, which earned him Conference USA defensive player of the week honors. Cole is without a doubt one of the best players in the conference.
The other side features perhaps the best athlete on the defensive line. Andre Frazier returns for his third season as a starter on the defensive side of the ball. A 2nd team all Conference USA player in 2003, Frazier looks to cap off his career at Cincinnati with a big senior campaign. Frazier is forth on Cincinnati’s all time sack list with 17.5 and seventh in tackles for loss with 33. Frazier has bulked up considerably in the off season improving his weight from 213 lbs to 240. His sub 4.6 forty time ensures offenses that he will bring flash off the corner.
Cincinnati seems to have found its Achilles heel, and that is the inside of the defensive line. Senior Mike Wright is the only tackle returning with any Bearcat experience. Wright, a former walk on from Ashland, OH played in 9 games, including 6 starts, in a very injury plagued junior season. He piled up 32 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in the time that was able to stay healthy. Opposite Wright will be Columbus native, senior Lonnie Simmons. Simmons will look to make some things happen on the inside after sitting out the 2002 season (transfer from Michigan St.), and serving as a backup on the 2003 squad.
Defensive Line Rating: B - Coles and Frazier give the Bearcats some definite fire off of the ends, the defensive tackles will definately make Dantonio miss the talent that he was blessed with at Ohio State.
Linebackers
OLB #42 Tyjuan Hagler (6-2 230 Sr.)
MLB #46 Jamar Enzor (6-1 238 Sr.)
OLB #30 Jason Russell (6-2 225 Sr.)
At linebacker Cincinnati returns all three starters from the 2003 season. To add to this element all three are seniors, which should bode well for a unit that will be tested by Tressel’s dedication to the running game. Look for Jamar Enzor to be the middle anchor that Cincinnati desperately seeks from his MLB position. Enzor led the Bearcat defense with 137 total tackles, including 79 solo stops in 2003. Look for him to build upon those numbers during his second season as a starter in the middle, especially playing in a Dantonio defense.
On the outside, Cincinnati is led by OLB’s Tyjuan Hagler and Jason Russell. Hagler, a speedster (4.51 forty time) from Kankakee, IL returns as a second year starter. He amassed 84 tackles, including 8.5 for loss as a junior. Russell, yet another two year starter, looks to build upon his 66 tackle, 5 TFL junior season.
Linebacker Rating: B- - All three linebackers have been there before, which will be a big plus for Cincinnati coming into the Horseshoe. Enzor has star capability, Russell and Hagler are average Conference USA linebackers.
Secondary
CB #18 Daven Holly (5-11 184 Sr.)
CB #25 Tedric Harwell (5-11 190 Sr.)
S #45 Doug Monaghan (6-3 211 Sr.)
S #38 JaJuan Hall (6-0, 186 Soph.)
The Cincinnati defensive backfield will feature 2003 All-Conference USA 2nd team cornerback Daven Holly. Holly is easily the best athlete in the defensive backfield for the Bearcats. Holly, a former receiver (starter for part of 2002 season) who boasts a 4.37 in the 40 yard dash, will look to top his team high 6 interceptions from last season. The other half of the CB will be held down by Tedric Harwell. Harwell, who is a converted RB, will be a major question mark for the Cincinnati secondary due to his limited experience. Look Harwell to be an area for OSU to exploit.
At strong safety Cincinnati returns 4 year starter Doug Monaghan. Monaghan, the general of the defensive backfield, brings experience, leadership and a strong understanding of the game to the table for the Bearcats. He amassed 70 tackles and 2 interceptions during his junior campaign. Free safety also appears to be an area where Cincinnati is very vulnerable. JaJuan Hall is currently penciled in as the starter. Hall, Mostly a special teams player last year, picked off one pass as a backup in 2003. If he cannot hold down the fort, look for #39 Tyjuan Jones and #5 Antoine Horton to see action.
Defensive Backfield Rating: B- - Two potential All-Conference USA picks lead a secondary that will be tested by Ohio States' unbelieveable athletism. Holly and Monaghan will need to really step up Saturday and help the two newcomers if Cincinnati is going to make this thing interesting.
Analysis
All in all Cincinnati has the makings for a very strong defensive team. In fact, they should have one of the best defenses in Conference USA. All Buckeye fans should be very familiar with the smothering defensive scheme that Dantonio will bring to to the Horseshoe. He may not have quite the level of talent to work with that he did in Columbus, but he is a brilliant game day defensive coach. Cincinnati should prove to be a very big test defensively for the opener.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
Cincinnati’s defense features a very senior laden squad. In fact 10 of the 11 projected starters are seniors. Cincinnati also returns 3 all conference players from the 2003 squad. Two of the honor winners hold down the fort at defensive end, which appears to be Cincinnati’s strongest position.
Defensive Line
DE #90 Trent Cole (6-4 248 Sr.)
DT #93 Mike Wright (6-5 290 Sr.)
DT #95 Lonnie Simmons (6-4 301 Sr.)
DE #91 Andre Frazier (6-5 240 Sr.)
Trent Cole returns for his senior campaign after being voted first team all conference USA during his junior year. Coles’ name has popped up on the watch list for the Ted Hendricks award, which awards the top defensive end in country. He had a very solid year in 2003 amassing 88 tackles and 5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, including a 14 tackle, 3 tackle for loss performance against Temple, which earned him Conference USA defensive player of the week honors. Cole is without a doubt one of the best players in the conference.
The other side features perhaps the best athlete on the defensive line. Andre Frazier returns for his third season as a starter on the defensive side of the ball. A 2nd team all Conference USA player in 2003, Frazier looks to cap off his career at Cincinnati with a big senior campaign. Frazier is forth on Cincinnati’s all time sack list with 17.5 and seventh in tackles for loss with 33. Frazier has bulked up considerably in the off season improving his weight from 213 lbs to 240. His sub 4.6 forty time ensures offenses that he will bring flash off the corner.
Cincinnati seems to have found its Achilles heel, and that is the inside of the defensive line. Senior Mike Wright is the only tackle returning with any Bearcat experience. Wright, a former walk on from Ashland, OH played in 9 games, including 6 starts, in a very injury plagued junior season. He piled up 32 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in the time that was able to stay healthy. Opposite Wright will be Columbus native, senior Lonnie Simmons. Simmons will look to make some things happen on the inside after sitting out the 2002 season (transfer from Michigan St.), and serving as a backup on the 2003 squad.
Defensive Line Rating: B - Coles and Frazier give the Bearcats some definite fire off of the ends, the defensive tackles will definately make Dantonio miss the talent that he was blessed with at Ohio State.
Linebackers
OLB #42 Tyjuan Hagler (6-2 230 Sr.)
MLB #46 Jamar Enzor (6-1 238 Sr.)
OLB #30 Jason Russell (6-2 225 Sr.)
At linebacker Cincinnati returns all three starters from the 2003 season. To add to this element all three are seniors, which should bode well for a unit that will be tested by Tressel’s dedication to the running game. Look for Jamar Enzor to be the middle anchor that Cincinnati desperately seeks from his MLB position. Enzor led the Bearcat defense with 137 total tackles, including 79 solo stops in 2003. Look for him to build upon those numbers during his second season as a starter in the middle, especially playing in a Dantonio defense.
On the outside, Cincinnati is led by OLB’s Tyjuan Hagler and Jason Russell. Hagler, a speedster (4.51 forty time) from Kankakee, IL returns as a second year starter. He amassed 84 tackles, including 8.5 for loss as a junior. Russell, yet another two year starter, looks to build upon his 66 tackle, 5 TFL junior season.
Linebacker Rating: B- - All three linebackers have been there before, which will be a big plus for Cincinnati coming into the Horseshoe. Enzor has star capability, Russell and Hagler are average Conference USA linebackers.
Secondary
CB #18 Daven Holly (5-11 184 Sr.)
CB #25 Tedric Harwell (5-11 190 Sr.)
S #45 Doug Monaghan (6-3 211 Sr.)
S #38 JaJuan Hall (6-0, 186 Soph.)
The Cincinnati defensive backfield will feature 2003 All-Conference USA 2nd team cornerback Daven Holly. Holly is easily the best athlete in the defensive backfield for the Bearcats. Holly, a former receiver (starter for part of 2002 season) who boasts a 4.37 in the 40 yard dash, will look to top his team high 6 interceptions from last season. The other half of the CB will be held down by Tedric Harwell. Harwell, who is a converted RB, will be a major question mark for the Cincinnati secondary due to his limited experience. Look Harwell to be an area for OSU to exploit.
At strong safety Cincinnati returns 4 year starter Doug Monaghan. Monaghan, the general of the defensive backfield, brings experience, leadership and a strong understanding of the game to the table for the Bearcats. He amassed 70 tackles and 2 interceptions during his junior campaign. Free safety also appears to be an area where Cincinnati is very vulnerable. JaJuan Hall is currently penciled in as the starter. Hall, Mostly a special teams player last year, picked off one pass as a backup in 2003. If he cannot hold down the fort, look for #39 Tyjuan Jones and #5 Antoine Horton to see action.
Defensive Backfield Rating: B- - Two potential All-Conference USA picks lead a secondary that will be tested by Ohio States' unbelieveable athletism. Holly and Monaghan will need to really step up Saturday and help the two newcomers if Cincinnati is going to make this thing interesting.
Analysis
All in all Cincinnati has the makings for a very strong defensive team. In fact, they should have one of the best defenses in Conference USA. All Buckeye fans should be very familiar with the smothering defensive scheme that Dantonio will bring to to the Horseshoe. He may not have quite the level of talent to work with that he did in Columbus, but he is a brilliant game day defensive coach. Cincinnati should prove to be a very big test defensively for the opener.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
Cincinnati Bearcat Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 1
Cincinnati’s kicking game will be average (at best) if it's anything like last season. Chet Ervin is Cincinnati's only returning starter among three lettermen.
Special Teams
K/P #12 Chet Ervin (6-3 190 Jr.)
PK #21 Chris Manfredini (5-9 165 So.)
K/PR #2 Carl Jones (5-9 196 Jr.)
KR #25 Tedric Harwell (5-11 190 Sr.)
LS #69 Jeremy Schlicher (6-5 301 Sr.)
LS #96 Patrick Farfsing (6-3 240 So.)
Chet Ervin was pressed into handling the punting duties as well as placekicking and kickoffs last season. A 10 of 17 effort (5 of 6 inside the 40, 5 of 11 beyond 40, long of 44 yards, and 3 blocked) isn't all that impressive in the field goal department, but he has a stronger leg than kicker Chris Manfredini, who was nearly automatic in his attempts. A short range specialist, Manfredini was 10 of 11 for field goals (a UC season record for average) and 27 of 29 for extra points. Manfredini, the UC Special Teams Player of the Year last season, will be expected to take on more duties with another year of training under his belt. Ervin averaged a very respectable 38.9 yards per punt last season (long of 56 yds), although he had 4 attempts blocked. Of 63 total punts, 18 were inside the 20, 13 were fair caught, and 3 went into the end zone for a touchback. His best performance in 2003 came in a win against West Virginia. He kicked 3 FGs (44, 43, and 37 yards) and had 10 punts, averaging 42.5 yards.
The departing Thaddeus Lewis will be replaced by Carl Jones, a quick and sure handed running back that is expected to handle the punt return duties this season for UC. Jones averaged a very nice 15.0 yards per return (long of 65 yds) on 9 punts and 21.5 yards per return on 2 kickoffs. Jones joins senior Tedric Harwell (running back converted to DB) who handled the majority of kick returns last season, averaging 16.8 yards per return on 16 kickoffs. None of the punts or kicks were returned for a score.
The long snapping duties are shared by senior Jeremy Schlicher (placekicks) and sophomore Patrick Farfsing (punts). Schlicher was solid snapping for placekicks last season and also handled several punt snaps. Farfsing won the punt long snapping position as a walk-on freshman. That should tell you all you need to know. Pat has excellent hands and is athletic enough to get down field on coverage. UC will be set for the next 3 years with Farfsing.
Additionally, Cincinnati has added 2 Junior College transfers to their team. Brian Steel (transfer from Scottsdale Community College) averaged 40 plus yards per punt last season and will be a sophomore in eligibility at Cincinnati. Kevin Lovell (also a sophomore in eligibility) from El Camino Community College (there must be a joke in there somewhere) shows real potential. Going 15 for 16 on field goals and 54-55 on extra points at Mira Costa High School, Kevin was All-State, All-Area, All-Region and All-CIF. After an exceptional year of JC ball, Kevin was invited to the Top 12 Camp for kickers (top 12 HS and JC kickers from across the nation) and was named one of the top 2 performers.
The Bearcat kick and punt coverage teams were not impressive last season. The kick coverage squad gave up an average of 21.2 yards per attempt, while the punt coverage team allowed an average gain of 10.5 yards. Subtract that 10.5 from the average punting yardage of Ervin for an average net yardage of 28.4 on punts. That, plus one kickoff and two punts returned for touchdowns and the coaching staff will lose lots of hair and even more sleep this season. One bright spot, the field goal unit was strong, blocking five field goal attempts and returning two of those for touchdowns - returns of 78 and 76 yards!
Analysis
Cincinnati looks average in the kicking game. Ervin will not be the automatic kicker that teams covet. Manfredini could be that guy, but only time (and strength conditioning) will tell. The 2 junior college transfers could really be a plus for the punting and kicking game at Cincinnati. Since they are just joining the squad I will leave them out of the equation and rate the special teams as if they will not be starting. The return game appears to be in good hands with Carl Jones and Tedric Harwell. Although Jones was the teams second leading rusher (and 2nd all purpose yards) last season. He's only one play away from being used full time on the offense, which would mean no more return opportunities for Jones. One would think that Mark Dantonio has learned the importance of special teams while coaching under Jim Tressel. Look for him to place great importance on improving this area of Cincinnati's game, especially the numerous blocked kicks and punts.
Overall Special Teams Rating: C-
Cincinnati’s kicking game will be average (at best) if it's anything like last season. Chet Ervin is Cincinnati's only returning starter among three lettermen.
Special Teams
K/P #12 Chet Ervin (6-3 190 Jr.)
PK #21 Chris Manfredini (5-9 165 So.)
K/PR #2 Carl Jones (5-9 196 Jr.)
KR #25 Tedric Harwell (5-11 190 Sr.)
LS #69 Jeremy Schlicher (6-5 301 Sr.)
LS #96 Patrick Farfsing (6-3 240 So.)
Chet Ervin was pressed into handling the punting duties as well as placekicking and kickoffs last season. A 10 of 17 effort (5 of 6 inside the 40, 5 of 11 beyond 40, long of 44 yards, and 3 blocked) isn't all that impressive in the field goal department, but he has a stronger leg than kicker Chris Manfredini, who was nearly automatic in his attempts. A short range specialist, Manfredini was 10 of 11 for field goals (a UC season record for average) and 27 of 29 for extra points. Manfredini, the UC Special Teams Player of the Year last season, will be expected to take on more duties with another year of training under his belt. Ervin averaged a very respectable 38.9 yards per punt last season (long of 56 yds), although he had 4 attempts blocked. Of 63 total punts, 18 were inside the 20, 13 were fair caught, and 3 went into the end zone for a touchback. His best performance in 2003 came in a win against West Virginia. He kicked 3 FGs (44, 43, and 37 yards) and had 10 punts, averaging 42.5 yards.
The departing Thaddeus Lewis will be replaced by Carl Jones, a quick and sure handed running back that is expected to handle the punt return duties this season for UC. Jones averaged a very nice 15.0 yards per return (long of 65 yds) on 9 punts and 21.5 yards per return on 2 kickoffs. Jones joins senior Tedric Harwell (running back converted to DB) who handled the majority of kick returns last season, averaging 16.8 yards per return on 16 kickoffs. None of the punts or kicks were returned for a score.
The long snapping duties are shared by senior Jeremy Schlicher (placekicks) and sophomore Patrick Farfsing (punts). Schlicher was solid snapping for placekicks last season and also handled several punt snaps. Farfsing won the punt long snapping position as a walk-on freshman. That should tell you all you need to know. Pat has excellent hands and is athletic enough to get down field on coverage. UC will be set for the next 3 years with Farfsing.
Additionally, Cincinnati has added 2 Junior College transfers to their team. Brian Steel (transfer from Scottsdale Community College) averaged 40 plus yards per punt last season and will be a sophomore in eligibility at Cincinnati. Kevin Lovell (also a sophomore in eligibility) from El Camino Community College (there must be a joke in there somewhere) shows real potential. Going 15 for 16 on field goals and 54-55 on extra points at Mira Costa High School, Kevin was All-State, All-Area, All-Region and All-CIF. After an exceptional year of JC ball, Kevin was invited to the Top 12 Camp for kickers (top 12 HS and JC kickers from across the nation) and was named one of the top 2 performers.
The Bearcat kick and punt coverage teams were not impressive last season. The kick coverage squad gave up an average of 21.2 yards per attempt, while the punt coverage team allowed an average gain of 10.5 yards. Subtract that 10.5 from the average punting yardage of Ervin for an average net yardage of 28.4 on punts. That, plus one kickoff and two punts returned for touchdowns and the coaching staff will lose lots of hair and even more sleep this season. One bright spot, the field goal unit was strong, blocking five field goal attempts and returning two of those for touchdowns - returns of 78 and 76 yards!
Analysis
Cincinnati looks average in the kicking game. Ervin will not be the automatic kicker that teams covet. Manfredini could be that guy, but only time (and strength conditioning) will tell. The 2 junior college transfers could really be a plus for the punting and kicking game at Cincinnati. Since they are just joining the squad I will leave them out of the equation and rate the special teams as if they will not be starting. The return game appears to be in good hands with Carl Jones and Tedric Harwell. Although Jones was the teams second leading rusher (and 2nd all purpose yards) last season. He's only one play away from being used full time on the offense, which would mean no more return opportunities for Jones. One would think that Mark Dantonio has learned the importance of special teams while coaching under Jim Tressel. Look for him to place great importance on improving this area of Cincinnati's game, especially the numerous blocked kicks and punts.
Overall Special Teams Rating: C-
Predictions
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 31-6, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 24-14, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-9, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 28-10, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 24-10, Ohio State
vrbryant's prediction: 23-16, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 24-14, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-9, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 28-10, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 24-10, Ohio State
vrbryant's prediction: 23-16, Ohio State
Click here for Part Two of the Cincinnati Game Preview including Additional Information: Rebuild or Reload, Awards & Recognition, Historical Data, Records, Links, Notes of Interest
