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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Cincinnati 2018

By Mike Regalado

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 31: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats is seen during the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Nippert Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 31: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats is seen during the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Nippert Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 30: Marquise Copeland #44 of the Cincinnati Bearcats forces a fumble by Tyler King #3 of the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first half at Nippert Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 30: Marquise Copeland #44 of the Cincinnati Bearcats forces a fumble by Tyler King #3 of the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first half at Nippert Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Defense

Statistically speaking, Cincinnati was better on the defensive side, especially compared to the rest of the AAC. Instead of having stats in the bottom half of the conference like their offense, their defense proved to be a bit more middle of the road.

Up front, the Bearcats have some much-needed experience with Marquise Copeland, Kevin Mouhon, Cortez Broughton, and Kimoni Fitz holding down the line. Collectively they grabbed 177 total tackles, 22.0 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. This will be an aggressive group that will look to disrupt Kelly’s offense, but that also means they have a huge task on their hands. Who knows what Kelly is going to throw at Cincy so this front four need to be on their toes.

"Do You Know Where the Name “Bearcat” Came From? From the ‘History of the Bearcat’... During the second half of the game [against Kentucky], cheerleader Norman “Pat” Lyon, building on the efforts of fullback Leonard K. “Teddy” Baehr, created a new chant: “They may be Wildcats, but we have a Baehr-cat on our side.”” Apparnetly the name stuck as Cincinnati had no real mascot at the time."

They will have help from the linebackers who will return a key member in Perry Young who was second on the team in tackles (101) in 2017. His experience will help carry the defense while young LBs Jarell White and Joel Dublanko, two talented defenders, should add to the defense’s progress.

Unfortunately, the secondary will be hurting a bit as they have lost several DBs and with several potential position changes, this unit might be a little rocky heading into the season. The Bearcats have a few returning defenders that will help with consistency as Tyrell Gilbert and Chris Murphy will bring leadership to this unit. Still, it might not be enough to slow the Bruins who could be passing up a storm against the Cincy defense.