Ohio (1-1) and Cincinnati (3-0) will meet Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium, 37 years removed from their last matchup.
The in-state foes have played over 50 times, but never when any players in Saturday’s game were alive. Put it in context, Ohio coach Frank Solich was the freshman coach at Nebraska the last time the two teams played.
Kickoff is set for noon and can be watched on ESPNU.
Here is how to follow along to the game, what you need to know — from depth charts to the injury report to reading — a guide to gameday and predictions for Game 3 of the season.
Following along
How to watch: ESPNU optioned to pick up the game two weeks ago, putting the Bobcats on national television for the second straight week.
The game can also be watched online here, and Mike Corey and Rene Ingoglia will be on the call.
How to listen: The game can be heard on the Ohio IMG Sports Network — Russ Eisenstein and Rob Cornelius will be behind the mic. The broadcasts are available online through ohiobobcats.com and tunein.com/ohiobobcats.
How to find stats: Click here.
Injury report
Players in italics are starters.
Out: WR Elijah Ball (knee), OL Cole Irland (knee), OL Adam Notestine (shoulder), TE Mason Bernhardt (undisclosed), WR Jerome Buckner (knee), DE Austin Conrad (foot), DE Juan Watkins (shoulder), DE Amir Miller (leg), TE Noah Hoffman (undisclosed).
Questionable: Julian Ross (undisclosed), Austen Pleasants (undisclosed).
Depth Chart
Matchups
When Ohio runs…
The Bobcats have had trouble getting anything going on the ground through two games. Led by redshirt senior running backs A.J. Ouellette and Maleek Irons, Ohio was slated to have a fierce rushing attack behind a proven offensive line. But that hasn’t panned out yet.
It’ll be tough for the running game to find its footing against this Cincinnati front, who doesn’t give up much on the ground and has 17 tackles for loss in three games. Defensive tackle Cortez Broughton has terrorized offensive lines so far, and he’s a game changer along the lines.
Edge: Cincinnati
When Ohio throws…
Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke, obviously, is capable of going off for a huge day passing. We just haven’t seen it yet. Papi White has been gashing defenses so far this season, and Ohio’s run game dictates how its pass game operates.
Cincinnati’s defense, meanwhile, is allowing just 145.0 yards per game through the air. The secondary is fast and physical. But even then, it’s tough to gauge where the Cincinnati defense truly is. The Bearcats played UCLA, who can’t throw well at all, and Miami in a driving rain storm.
Edge: Draw
When Cincinnati runs…
The Bearcats are averaging 263.7 yards per game on the ground. That’s pretty good. Running back Michael Warren II already has six rushing touchdowns through three games, and the Bearcats like their methodical drives down the field.
Ohio’s run defense is reliant on young talent. If Ohio’s inexperienced defensive front can win the battle between the tackles, it’ll have success. We don’t know enough about the front seven for now.
Edge: Cincinnati
When Cincinnati throws…
As bad as things may seem for the Ohio pass defense, this game could be much needed in the Bobcats attempt to right the ship. Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder replaced presumed starter Hayden Moore in the Bearcats’ season opener, and he’s struggled since. The Bearcats are averaging 162.3 pass yards per game, which is 115th out of 129 teams.
Edge: Ohio
Special teams:
Ohio should have the special teams edge in every game it plays this season. Punter Michael Farkas, who is fifth in the nation in punting average, becomes more of a weapon with each game, and Louie Zervos has the capability to kick field goals over 50 yards. Ohio also has more than one capable returners for punts and kickoffs.
Cincinnati only has one field goal attempt on the season; it made the field goal. Bearcats punter James Smith is 13th nationally in punting average, but he’s not Michael Farkas.
Edge: Ohio
Reading Guide
Ohio coach Frank Solich addressed the media Monday
MAC teams are taking on Week 4 of the season
The second Post Sports mailbag
Final thoughts from the Virginia game
Jalen Fox will return to his hometown Saturday
A Q&A with Cincinnati beat writer Justin Williams
A Q&A with MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher
Everything you should know about the Bearcats
Predictions
Pete: For a team that needs to start fast, playing a noon kickoff will do the Bobcats no favors. Ohio’s defense hasn’t stopped big plays, and Cincinnati struggles to pass the ball. Special teams and turnovers play a factor, but at the end of the day, Cincinnati wins 28-21.
Spencer: I think this game has the potential to be weird. It’s a noon start between two teams with a lot of history that none of the players really know — or care about. Sounds weird to me. Cincinnati hasn’t played anyone with an offense like Ohio’s yet. With the weird factor coming into play, I think Cincinnati comes out flat, and Ohio takes advantage early, riding the early push to a 27-21 upset on the road.
