Cincinnati RB George Winn will have a chance to go over 100 yards rushing for the third time this season. (AP) |
Fordham (4-2, 1-1 Patriot) at Cincinnati (4-0, 1-0 Big East)
Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Spread: No line
Watchability: The Bearcats have a couple of stinkers before their showdown later this month with Louisville. Not a lot going on here; probably a good one to pass on.
Shining stars: Fordham: LB Michael Martin. The reigning Patriot League defensive player of the week, Martin recorded 18 tackles in the Rams' 38-31 win over Georgetown. Martin, a senior, now leads the team with 65 tackles from the middle linebacker spot. Cincinnati: QB Munchie Legaux. This string of home games against lesser opponents will give the Bearcats a chance to get Legaux comfortable under center, though he's been solid so far this year, regardless of opponent. He'll likely have another big game Saturday, both with his arms and his legs.
Who could steal the show: Fordham: K/P Patrick Murray. OK, it's kind of cheap to choose a kicker, but Murray has been solid both kicking and punting this season. He's thrice been named the national placekicker of the week this year, which is apparently a thing. Against Georgetown he kicked three field goals -- from 40 yards or more -- and had eight punts for an average of 47.8 yards a kick. He should have plenty of chances to show off his leg Saturday night. Cincinnati: RB George Winn. As the able replacement for the departed Isaiah Pead, Winn has shown flashes of game-breaking ability. He has twice rushed for 100 yards or more, and he'll likely eclipse the century mark again this weekend.
You going? Ranking the road trip: If you're a football historian, this one's for you. Both the Fordham and Cincinnati football programs date back to the 1880s, and Saturday marks their first meeting. If you're not a football historian, you can maybe take a pass.
Magic number for Fordham: 135.3. Running back Carlton Coonce averages better than 135 rushing yards per game, which is good for sixth in the FCS. He will have a much tougher test against the Bearcats, but running may be easier than throwing with Cincinnati defensive end Walter Stewart rushing off the edge.
Magic number for Cincinnati: 23. The Bearcats have won 23 straight nonconference home games. That number will increase.
The game comes down to: Focus. Though Cincy can likely sleepwalk to a win Saturday, this game is sandwiched between a 52-14 win over Miami (Ohio) and next week's home game with Toledo. It would be easy for the Bearcats to overlook this one -- not that it will matter much.
Prediction: Cincinnati 45, Fordham 6
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