UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview: Cincinnati Bearcats

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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on following the game against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on November 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Special Teams

It is a tale of two special teams. For one thing, Cincinnati was in the bottom half of the American Athletic Conference in three major kicking categories: net kickoff yardage (29.8 yds, 11th AAC), net punting yardage (37.6 yds, 8th AAC) and field goal percentage (1/2 .500, 10th AAC).

Yet they were near the top when receiving the ball from kicks. The Bearcats had an impressive 25.2 yds on kickoff returns (2nd AAC) and a conference-leading 16.0 yds on punts. Unfortunately, they did not get a score for any kickoff last season. If they can find a way to squeak through, they could have quite the deadly transition game.

Final Analysis

It could be a sluggish first quarter (possibly half) for both teams as they try to get their bearings, but considering how Kelly is running this program, I expect UCLA to have things clicking sooner than later, in both the season and this game.

Though the offense will need time to get going, they should have the talent, coaching and speed to blow past the Bearcats, just as Kelly’s Oregon teams did.

On top of that, I really like what the Bruins’ defense is evolving into. With their aggressive ways, they could shut out Cincinnati, or at least keep them below their scoring average of 20.9 points per game from last season. With that being said, it has been nice knowing you, Bearcats.

Next: UCLA Football: 10 bold predictions for the 2018 season

Prediction

UCLA 45 – Cincinnati 13