Tag: Cincinnati Bearcats

Chris Holtmann on playing Xavier, Cincinnati, and Dayton: “Absolutely we would consider that”

The Ohio State men’s basketball head coach, Chris Holtmann, would love to start playing Dayton, Xavier, and Cincinnati more frequently.

The Ohio State men’s basketball head coach, Chris Holtmann, would love to play the big boys of college basketball in the state, a trend the men’s basketball team has started by scheduling Cincinnati.

Although the Cincinnati Bearcats have made strides in football, much of Ohio’s universities still strongly consider basketball their team’s most successful sport.

After all, both Dayton and Xavier have been ranked within the top five in the last few years. Even Cincinnati is just a year or so removed from being a top-ten program.

That type of success isn’t reflected in many other states throughout the country. However, for some reason, the Buckeyes don’t play the Bearcats, Musketeers or Flyers very often.

What does Holtmann feel about potentially bringing those top-notch opponents to Columbus? Well, according to Eleven Warriors’ Colin Haas-Hill, he would “absolutely” consider that.

It’s not just the big dogs though. It’s the mid-majors as well, programs Ohio has a plethora of.

“If you’re asking about mid-majors in the state, we’re playing Akron this year, we played Kent (State) last year, we played Youngstown State. We’re open to doing that and we intend to do that every year,” Holtmann continued.

Having more in-state opponents is something Ohio State, and every other opponent that gets the call, should consider. While it’s not necessarily that easy, it is feasible.

What is even more intriguing is the idea of putting together something similar to the Crossroads classic that the major basketball programs in Indiana compete in every year. Butler, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Purdue all come together at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and make it a showcase event.

Getting there has a lot of obstacles, but this is something sorely needed. Getting Ohio State on board with something like this always seemed to be the biggest dragon to slay, and that now seems to have fallen by way of the sword Holtmann is carrying.

If ever there was a chance at making this a reality, it’s now.

 

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Jags met virtually with Cincinnati TE Josiah Deguara

The Jags still have a need at tight end after free agency and are showing interest in a prospect with H-back skills.

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars’ addition of veteran Tyler Eifert, head coach Doug Marrone said that the tight end spot is still one in which the team will still be looking to upgrade. It’s a good chance that could happen in next week’s draft as the team could use one of their 12 picks to add another player at the position. 

One player who may end up getting a draft-day call from the Jags is Josiah Deguara of Cincinnati who the Jags have had a virtual meeting with, per Draft Wire‘s Justin Melo. 

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars’ addition of veteran Tyler Eifert, head coach Doug Marrone said that the tight end spot is still one in which the team will still be looking to upgrade. It’s a good chance that could happen in next week’s draft as the team could use one of their 12 picks to add another player at the position. 

One player who may end up getting a draft-day call from the Jags is Josiah Deguara of Cincinnati who the Jags have had a virtual meeting with, per Draft Wire‘s Justin Melo. 

Deguara, 23, is coming off his best season in 2019 with the Bearcats after accumulating 39 catches for 504 yards and seven touchdowns. In total he finished his collegiate career with 92 catches, 1,117 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.

At 6-foot-2, 242-pounds, NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein likes Deguara’s blocking ability, which makes sense because that’s an element the Jags could use at the tight end position. 

Hard-nosed move tight end who will garner consideration as an NFL H-back. He’s a gritty blocker who plays with good positioning and works hard at sustaining blocks to help his run game. As a pass-catcher, Deguara is sure-handed with good feel for soft spots against zone, but may need an accurate thrower due to contested-catch likelihood and suspect catch radius. He’s the type of Day 3 prospect who flies under the radar but ends up becoming a solid contributor at H-back.

While Melo feels Deguara can be a late third-rounder, others have speculated he could be a sixth-rounder. Considering his wide range of grades, he’d have a better chance to land with the Jags as a Day 3 pick because they have eight selections after the third-round. Three of those selections are in Round 4, two are in Round 5, two are in Round six and they have one in the last round. 

Deguara, 23, is coming off his best season in 2019 with the Bearcats after accumulating 39 catches for 504 yards and seven touchdowns. In total he finished his collegiate career with 92 catches, 1,117 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.

At 6-foot-2, 242-pounds, NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein likes Deguara’s blocking ability, which makes sense because that’s an element the Jags could use at the tight end position. 

“Hard-nosed move tight end who will garner consideration as an NFL H-back. He’s a gritty blocker who plays with good positioning and works hard at sustaining blocks to help his run game. As a pass-catcher, Deguara is sure-handed with good feel for soft spots against zone, but may need an accurate thrower due to contested-catch likelihood and suspect catch radius. He’s the type of Day 3 prospect who flies under the radar but ends up becoming a solid contributor at H-back.”

While Melo feels Deguara can be a late third-rounder, others have speculated he could be a sixth-rounder. Considering his wide range of grades, he’d have a better chance to land with the Jags as a Day 3 pick because they have eight selections after the third-round. Three of those selections are in Round 4, two are in Round 5, two are in Round six and they have one in the last round. 

The Hurry Up Podcast: Cincinnati TE Josiah Deguara and Browns free agency

The Hurry Up Podcast: Cincinnati TE Josiah Deguara and Browns free agency

Host Mac Robinson sits down to talk with NFL Draft tight end prospect and Cincinnati Bearcat Josiah Deguara. Listen as they talk about life as a draft prospect during the Coronavirus pandemic, his experiences at the NFL Scouting Combine and Senior Bowl, and favorite Marvel characters!

In addition to talking to Deguara, Mac also breaks down every signing so far this offseason by the Browns, as well as how it could affect the team’s plans going forward in the draft and throughout the rest of the offseason.

Be sure to follow Mac (@MacRobinson95) and the podcast (@HurryUpPodcast) on Twitter for all of the latest news and notes surrounding the podcast, the Browns, and all things football!

 

 

2020 NFL draft: Michael Warren II scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Cincinnati running back prospect Michael Warren II

Michael Warren| RB | Cincinnati

Elevator Pitch

Warren is a compact running back that uses his frame for punishment. He can be a bruising runner that looks to get those dirty yards. Coming out of high school in the state of Ohio, he was the fifth-best in terms of yards running in state history.

Vitals

Height | 5-9

Weight | 226

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Warren is nicknamed “The Truck” for a very good reason. Warren is a good inside runner who can bounce off of contact from defenders as he seems to absorb their tackle attempts. Runs with good contact balance, not an easy back to take down on first attempt. Can run through arm tackle attempts.

Very a good inside runner, shows good vision to find the hole. Very much a one cut and get up the field. He does well to get those dirty yards as he will take on all comers when it comes to tackle attempts. A chain mover and good option in goal line reps. He wasn’t as productive in 2019 as 2018, but still plenty of good reps as a runner. Will create yards after contact.

He can also provide some impact as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Does a good job to run routes from the running back position. Possesses soft hands to bring the ball in, despite some poor throws from the Cincy quarterback.

Weaknesses

Warren just won’t create chunk plays due to explosiveness or speed. He is just average in this department. It is unclear whether or not shedding some pounds will help in this area or it is just a lack of athleticism. However, dropping weight could impact his ability to break tackles and create yards after contact.

He will be a liability in pass protection. If you don’t want your quarterback taking unnecessary hits, don’t play Warren on 3rd downs if the intent is to protect. Doesn’t mentally process the blitz quickly enough to really be a factor in protection.

Workload and play style will be a bit concerning for teams at the NFL level. Had over 600 touches in essentially two plus years in Cincinnati, so there are definitely miles on the tread. His play style of looking for contact will cause concern for his durability.

Projection: Day 3

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Huge Notre Dame Rival Cancels Spring Game

It’s another when you cut off allowing coaches to recruit in-person.  To my understanding, they’re the first school that has taken this step.

You may have seen or heard the news earlier this week that Brian Kelly’s former employer, the University of Cincinnati, canceled their annual spring game.  Word has now come that one of college football’s blue-bloods has joined the club as the University of Michigan has canceled their annual spring football game.

It’s surprising that it’s the first big-time college football program to do so but it’s not that hard to understand.  Liability to that many thousands is one thing.  It may pain Notre Dame fans but I’m not going to be surprised if Notre Dame announces something similar in the coming days.

However, Michigan went even a step further. From the University of Michigan press release:

For the health and safety of all involved, Michigan will not be allowing coaches to conduct off-campus recruiting activities or host recruits on official or unofficial campus visits during this time period.

This is the most noteworthy item.  It’s one thing to not have a meaningless game and risk liability to the thousands upon thousands who would pay to attend.  It’s another when you cut off allowing coaches to recruit in-person.  To my understanding, they’re the first school that has taken this step.

It’s not often I say this but props to Michigan.  They’re out ahead of this instead of reacting.  Even if you aren’t one who thinks the threats of coronavirus are as severe as have been led on, they’re being proactive instead of waiting to cover up potential mistakes later and that’s worthy of praise in these crazy times.

2020 American Athletic Conference College Basketball Tournament odds and betting futures

Analyzing the 2020 American Athletic Conference Tournament odds and futures, with sports betting picks, tips and best bets.

The 2020 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament kicks off Thursday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Tex. There are a few teams from the AAC which should be shoe-ins for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, should they come up short for a championship bid. A few others are on the bubble, and need impressive showings, and help in other tourneys, to catch the eye of the selection committee. Below, we look at the futures odds to win the AAC tournament.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednsday, March 11 at 11 a.m. ET.

2020 AAC odds: Houston Cougars (+200)

Regular-season record: (23-8, 13-5 AAC)

The Cougars will have a lot less pressure than some of the teams below them, as they’re a lock for a bid to the dance. They’re simply playing for seeding at this point and could use a couple of wins to bump them up. They could be on the 8-line right now, which would give them a coin-flip game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Get some action on this event or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Houston scratched out a win and non-cover against a solid Memphis side over the weekend in the regular-season finale. The Cougars have the defense to make at least an Elite Eight run if they’re on top of their game. They ranked 12th in the nation in points allowed (62.1 points per game), and they ranked seventh in defensive field-goal percentage (38.3). While Houston isn’t the best scoring team, posting just 72.3 PPG on offense, checking in a middling 135th, it creates plenty of second chances, ranking second in the country in offensive rebounding.

The FAVORITE IS WORTH A BET AT +200, as the Cougars are the class of the AAC.

2020 AAC odds: Cincinnati Bearcats (+350)

Regular-season record: (20-10, 13-5 AAC)

The Bearcats stumbled down the stretch, going just 5-3 straight up and 1-7 against the spread across their final eight games. File that away if you bet their games individually going forward. As far as winning the AAC Tournament, the Bearcats are a talented team, especially defensively. While not as tenacious as Houston, Cincy did rank 31st in the country in defensive FG% (39.8). G Jarron Cumberland (15.5 points, 4.9 assists) is a talented scorer, and 7-foot-1 C Chris Vogt had 1.6 blocked shots per outing with F Tre Scott cleaning the glass to the tune of 10.5 rebounds per game with 1.5 steals per outing. CINCINNATI IS WORTH A SMALL-UNIT BET AT +350, but don’t get ridiculous.

2020 AAC odds: Wichita State Shockers (+400)

Regular-season record: (23-8, 11-7 AAC)

The Shockers certainly made plenty of waves, rising from mid-major power in the Missouri Valley Conference to an invitation to the AAC. After a brief adjustment period, the Shockers are doing what we’ve come to expect from them – win a lot of games. While they lost two road games to Cincinnati and Memphis down the stretch, a 22-point win in the final over a good Tulsa team snapped them back on track. WICHITA STATE IS A GOOD VALUE BET AT +400.

2020 AAC odds: Tulsa Golden Hurricane (+600)

Regular-season record: (21-10, 13-5 AAC)

The Golden Hurricane were humbled by 22 points at Wichita in the finale. Tulsa beat the teams they were supposed to beat, and were hammered by the good teams. A 33-point loss in Houston Feb. 19 was also alarming. They’ll be a good NIT team, and a loss Friday in their first game, potentially against Memphis, wouldn’t be surprising. AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: Memphis Tigers (+600)

Regular-season record: (21-10, 10-8 AAC)

The Tigers had a chance to get off the bubble with a win in Houston in the finale. While they covered, they faltered, and covers do not impress the committee. Memphis likely needs at least two wins, perhaps three, to feel comfortable on selection Saturday. If the Tigers still had James Weisman in the middle, their chances of winning here would be better. They’re a good defensive team, but offensively they’re rather bland. A SMALL-UNIT PLAY TO WIN THE AAC AT +600 is OK, as their defense is good enough, but they’re a better bet in individual games against the spread and on Under plays.

2020 AAC odds: UConn Huskies (+1500)

Regular-season record: (19-12, 10-8 AAC)

UConn is on the bubble, and likely needs at least a run to the final to have a chance at an NCAA bid. The Huskies are matched up with Tulane in the 5-12 matchup, a team they scraped by 80-76 in the regular-season finale. They won both meetings with Tulane, but went 0-2 ATS. The good news is UConn enters this tournament on a five-game winning streak. Still, the Huskies are a mediocre team, and their odds are rather inflated based upon that. Not a good value, so AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: SMU Mustangs (+2500)

Regular-season record: (19-11, 9-9 AAC)

The Mustangs looked like a certain NCAA team, but they ended the regular season on a 1-5 SU/ATS slide, including shocking road losses to Tulane, UCF and South Florida. There’s a reason UConn is a 19-win team and just +600, and SMU has a better record but are long shots. What have you done for me lately? AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: Temple Owls (+5000)

Regular-season record: (14-17, 6-12 AAC)

The Owls could spring a mild upset over a skidding SMU in the first round, but that’s as far as they go. They enter on their own five-game slide. It seems like regular-season wins over USC, Texas A&M and Wichita State were in another century. AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: UCF Knights (+5000)

Regular-season record: (16-14, 7-11 AAC)

The Knights won their final two regular-season games, and they won at Cincinnati Feb. 19. They split with first-round opponent South Florida, so they could win one game, but they’re not going far. AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: South Florida Bulls (+8000)

Regular-season record: (14-17, 7-11 AAC)

The Bulls won’t be on parade. They did top SMU in the regular-season finale and won in Memphis Feb. 8, but their opening game vs. UCF is a toss-up. If they win that one, they go no further. AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: East Carolina Pirates (+10000)

Regular-season record: (11-20, 5-13 AAC)

The Pirates lost their final three games of the regular season, and are the only 20-loss team in the AAC. They beat SMU Jan. 11 but also lost by 20 to the Mustangs. That’s a microcosm of their season, and how inconsistent, and awful, they can be. AVOID.

2020 AAC odds: Tulane Green Wave (+10000)

Regular-season record: (12-18, 4-14 AAC)

The Green Wave opened 7-1 SU/6-2 ATS, and looked like they were in line for a big season, including a win in Utah. They also beat Cincinnati and SMU at home, but this game isn’t in New Orleans, and they dropped five of their last six away from their home floor. The Green Wave will crash early in this tourney. AVOID.

Want some action on this tournament? Place a bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Meet Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati’s complete TE prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Cincinnati tight end Josiah Deguara

While one-dimensional, pass-catching tight ends may be all the rage in today’s NFL, many teams are still looking for that now-rare prospect who can make plays in the passing game while also providing the traditional blocking ability the position requires.

If your favorite NFL team is looking for that player in the 2020 NFL draft, Cincinnati’s Josiah Deguara just might be their man.

A complete player who excels in every aspect of his position, Deguara recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the long predraft process, playing for Bearcats coach Luke Fickell, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.

JM: What are you most excited for as you continue to go through this process?

JD: It’s such a blessing to be in this position. I’m trying to make my dream come true. To even have my name mentioned or attached to the NFL is such a surreal feeling for me. I had a chance to prove myself at the Senior Bowl. I’m going to the NFL Scouting Combine. I’m so thankful for all of these opportunities. Each opportunity brings me a step closer to achieving my dream of playing in the NFL. I’m honored to be in this position.

JM: The Cincinnati program has been very successful since coach Luke Fickell arrived. What can you tell me about your coach?

JD: Coach Fickell is one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around. He really helped put our program on the right path. He turned the culture around. I loved playing for him. That’s another opportunity I was thankful for. Regarding his coaching style, he’s not gonna take any nonsense from anybody. He really dials in and he lives what he preaches. We bought into everything he said. It obviously paid off for us. We loved playing for him.

James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the tight end position?

JD: I love being able to do it all. You’re in the trenches half of the time. The other half, you might be split outside like a wide receiver and you’re expected to make plays on the perimeter. I enjoy being able to do a little bit of everything. I love making plays for my team. I also enjoy getting down and dirty in the trenches. I would say that being able to do a little bit of everything is my favorite aspect of the position.

JM: You’re a solid blocker. It feels like that’s getting more and more rare with each passing year, as collegiate tight ends continue to morph into bigger receivers. What makes you different?

JD: It’s just something that I’m really proud of. I’m obviously a little undersized and I came into college that way. I’ve just always had that chip on my shoulder. I decided that I really wanted to improve as an in-line blocker. I had a great coach in tight ends coach [Mike] Denbrock. He taught me so many different things. I’ve worked hard at it over the years and I’ve been able to improve in that department with each passing year. I always try to focus on the finer details. That’s just how I am.

JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?

JD: Regarding the offense we ran at Cincinnati, we had this option route where I had the option to take the outside, go inside or sit it down somewhere. Being able to have the option to do whatever I wanted based on the look I was getting from the defense was probably my favorite route within our offense.

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

JM: Who are some of the best defenders you’ve squared off with?

JD: We played against Ohio State, so Chase Young immediately comes to mind. He’s definitely the best player I’ve ever played against. Shaun Bradley from Temple is a great linebacker. Trevis Gipson from Tulsa is a great defensive end. Playing against those guys every year definitely comes to mind. Those were the top three guys I went up against.

JM: If you could catch a pass from one NFL quarterback, who would it be and why?

JD: I would have to say Tom Brady. He’s still the GOAT. That’s an easy answer for me. I can’t imagine picking anybody else.

JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Josiah Deguara?

JD: I think that my film speaks for itself. I’m a very versatile player that’s gonna work as hard as I can in everything that I’m asked to do. I’m a player that can do a lot of different things on the field both offensively and on special teams. I’m excited to bring a versatile skill-set to whichever team drafts me.

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Luke Fickell to turn down Michigan State job, remain with Cincinnati

According to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, former Ohio State coach/player Luke Fickell will turn down Michigan State, remain at Cincinnati.

Former Ohio State football player and head/assistant coach Luke Fickell has turned down the Michigan State job, and will remain at Cincinnati according to a report from Pete Thamel of the Yahoo! Sports.

The long-time Spartan head coach surprised everyone this past week by announcing his retirement just before the traditional National Signing Day. In the days that followed, Luke Fickell quickly became Michigan State’s top target. Because of the timing, things had to move quickly.

According to multiple reports, Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman landed in Cincinnati to interview Fickell Saturday but the two parted without a deal in place. Clearly, Fickell was listening and keeping his options open, but after a couple of days, it appears as though he’ll be staying with the Bearcats for the foreseeable future.

Fickell has quickly turned Cincinnati back into a contender in the American Athletic Conference. After taking over the program and steering it to a 4-8 season in 2017, Fickell then led the team to an 11-2 record in 2018, and followed that up with another eleven win season in 2019 — nearly becoming the Group of Five representative in the New Years’ Six Bowls. He was named the AAC Coach of the Year in 2017.

While many thought Fickell would jump at a chance to take a perceived step up to a Power Five Big Ten school, those that know him best cautioned that this was not a done deal. They now appear to be right. In fact, the Columbus Dispatch did a story on his desire to remain in Cincinnati for the stability of his family.

Besides, it sure would have been strange for a diehard Buckeye to lead a Michigan State program on the other side of a rivalry with Michigan.

Now we’ll have to see where the Spartans turn for their next target after exhausting so much energy here.

 

UC Bearcats DC Marcus Freeman reportedly turned down offer from Titans

MMQB’s Albert Breer reported the news first via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

The Tennessee Titans’ search for a new linebackers coach continues after the team’s offer to Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman was turned down.

Freeman would have been the replacement for Tyrone McKenzie, who came to the mutual decision to part ways with the team earlier this month to join Matt Patricia and the Detroit Lions.

MMQB’s Albert Breer reported the news first via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

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The 34-year-old has been with the Bearcats since 2016, joining the staff just days after Luke Fickell was named to the head-coaching position.

Freeman also coached at Purdue, Kent State and Ohio State, where he too the field for then-Buckeyes assistant Fickell from 2004-08.

The Titans certainly have some voids to fill as the offseason continues, but have already addressed some.

Former Houston Texans secondary coach Anthony Midget replaced Kerry Coombs last month, leaving Tennessee potentially on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator and someone to take McKenzie’s place.

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The former may come from within, as multiple reports of coach Mike Vrabel having a heavier hand in the defense this year have emerged since Dean Pees’ departure.

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Birmingham Bowl: Boston College vs. Cincinnati odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl betting odds and lines between the Boston College Eagles and Cincinnati Bearcats with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Boston College Eagles (6-6) and Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3) square off at the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, played at Legion Field in Birmingham. Kickoff is set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Boston College-Cincinnati odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Boston College vs. Cincinnati: Three things you need to know

1. Boston College enters this game just 1-6 SU across its past seven games. The Eagles actually held a 7-0 lead in the first half last season in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas, but severe weather wiped out the rest of the game and it was not rescheduled.

2. Cincinnati is facing an ACC foe in a bowl game for the second straight year. UC topped Virginia Tech 35-31 in the Military Bowl last season, but the Bearcats are just 3-5 SU across the past eight postseason games.

3. Something’s gotta give, as Boston College is 2-7 ATS in the past nine bowl games, and Cincinnati is 0-4 ATS in its past four bowl outings.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

Boston College vs. Cincinnati: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cincinnati 34, Boston College 17

Moneyline (ML)

Cincinnati (-264) is just too expensive at nearly three times the risk of the reward. PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the Spread (ATS)

CINCINNATI (-7.5, +100) is a good play, even with the hook. My personal preference is to buy that extra point and go Cincinnati (-6.5, -139), and even going down to (-5.5, -154) isn’t terribly costly.

Still, I expect BC to be a bit of a mess with head coach Steve Addazio fired and Richie Gunnell serving as the interim coach. Star RB AJ Dillon, who led the team with an ACC-best 1,685 rushing yards, is also sitting to protect his draft status. Oh yeah, offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian left the team to take the OC job at Northwestern, so he won’t be in Birmingham, either.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 55.5 (-106) is worth a look. Cincinnati’s offense is pretty strong, but I expect BC to be a bit of a mess. This could be a blowout early on, with UC calling off the dogs with a lower-scoring second half.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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