UC travels to Fresno State in week 1 and is a 3 pt underdog to the host Bulldogs. Fresno has proven to be a tall order for many AQ BCS schools in the past 10 years or so. UC returns a very strong cast on offense led by QB Zac Collaros. As with last season, the defense will be questionable. The Cats appear to have a lack of depth as there are no seniors on the two deep on that side of the ball. A big question for the Cats will be how the look minus Brian Kelly. Kelly bailed on UC and is now the head coach at ND. Taking the helm of head coach is Butch Jones who successfullly replaced Kelly at Central Michigan by winning two MAC titles in three years.

Fresno looses their all-world running back Ryan Matthews, but returns their veteran QB Ryan Colburn and most of their offensive line. Like the Bearcats, the defense is a big question for Fresno. Last year's squad finished 98th in the country in total D last season.

Last season the Bearcats beat the Bulldogs at home 28-20. UC scored at will on the Bulldogs but only had the ball for a total of 16 minutes as the Bulldogs formidable running game kept control of the ball. With the loss of Matthews, that scenario might not play out this season. With UC's coaching change, the Cats go from a 3-4 base defense to the 4-3 which should help them stop the run a little more effectively.


The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 10pm EST.

I'm really looking forward to this game! This is a very winnable game for UC and will undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the season. I actually like that fact they are going from 3-4 to a 4-3; I think the 4-3 is a better fit for their type of players.

No doubt. I was ticked that Kelly switched them last season, when they clearly did not have the personnel for it.

I like the Bearcat's first group on defense, I am a little concerned about the depth, particularly at LB.

Depth is a major factor and will be for sometime. My hope is that with a couple more successful seasons, they'll be able to recruit at a higher level where depth won't be a factor!

I believe the staff is all over it. They have recruited a decent class so far and they have publicly stated they are aware of the depth issues and are addressing it. I have to think they will take 3-4 linebackers with this class and they are on target to land a few highly recruited kids. If the better recruits believe UC is maintaining some success with Jones, they will come to UC.

I'd really like to see the couple of linebackers we have in Steubenville go to Cinci. I think they'd fit right into their scheme!

Almost game Time, I'm so freaking pumped.

Prediction:
UC-35
Fresno-20

You and me both Goosebumps.

I wish it was not such a late game.

I love these late ones. I'm thinking 36-34 Cats.

UC's terrible defense last year only gave up 20 to the Dogs, and that was with Ryan Mathews. They also had the ball for like 44 minutes!! I don's think they'll score that many, but anythings possible. Its definitely a tough game to open with. New coach, New schemes and all the way on the other side of the country....


GO CATS

Man Butch Jones just looks like the epitome of a football coach

I really wanted to watch this game, but I can't listen to these announcers. Its the first damn weekend of the season ESPN, could we not run out the D list just yet?

Now that...is a good start to the year..

They need to settle down. Collaros looks good so far. The defense looks good in their first series.

Man Collaros can scramble something fierce

I can't wait to see Hazelton throughout the year.

dave;472101 wrote:I can't wait to see Hazelton throughout the year.

agreed, he's definitely a special athlete

INT Pat Lambert... GO CATS

well there's the quick strike offense we remember from last year.

TD Collaros to DJ Woods

7-0 Bearcats

good adjustment by collaros, that throw into double coverage to hazelton deep last series was a mistake.

TD run by Collaros

14-0 UC with 11:44 left in the 2nd

Wow this D looks amazing

The only downside to having a QB who knows he can run is that he does what he just did. Don't keep backing up trying to break loose. Take your sack and move on to the next play.

fresno scores, that missed tackle on the sack killed UC there