Tag: Cincinnati Bearcats

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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Tennessee at Cincinnati odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Tennessee Volunteers at Cincinnati Bearcats betting odds and lines, with NCAA basketball betting picks and bets.

The Tennessee Volunteers (7-2, 0-0 SEC) and the Cincinnati Bearcats (6-4, 0-0 AAC) square off Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at Fifth Third Arena. We analyze the Tennessee-Cincinnati odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Tennessee at Cincinnati: Three things you need to know

1. The Bearcats are looking to bounce back after a stunning 67-66 loss at home to Colgate. G Jarron Cumberland fired up a 3-pointer with about five seconds left, as Colgate came down with it and ended up at the free-throw line to win it.

2. The Volunteers are coming off a 51-47 loss against Memphis last time out. That’s the bad news. The good news is the defense hasn’t allowed 70 or more points all season.

3. Both teams are a disaster against the number, as the Vols are 1-4 against the spread in the past five overall and 2-5 ATS in the past seven on the road, while the Bearcats are 8-23 ATS in the past 31 overall dating back to last season.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Tennessee at Cincinnati: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Tennessee 69, Cincinnati 55

Moneyline (ML)

TENNESSEE (-125) is worth a considerable bet on the road, as the ranked Volunteers face a Cincinnati (+105) side that can’t seem to get out of its own way lately.

A $10 bet on the Vols to win outright would return a profit of $8.

Against the Spread (ATS)

TENNESSEE (-1.5, -110) is expected to win, and all it has to do is win by a bucket to cover. The Volunteers are a better value against the spread. While they have struggled on the road against the number, the Bearcats (+1.5, -110) are coming off a home loss to Colgate, they have dropped two in a row, and they have won just once in regulation over their past four home games. They’re not playing good ball right now.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 129.5 (-106) is worth a small-unit play, although confidence is not high. Tennessee’s defense has been strong this season, however, and that’s not what Cincinnati needs as it looks to bounce back.

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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Cincinnati at Memphis odds, lines, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s AAC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Memphis Tigers, with college football betting odds and picks

The Cincinnati Bearcats (10-2) and Memphis Tigers (11-1) meet Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET) at the Liberty Bowl in the All-American Conference Championship Game. Both teams are ranked in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA Today Sports (Memphis No. 16, Cincinnati No. 21). We analyze the Cincinnati-Memphis odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Cincinnati at Memphis: Three things you need to know

1. These two are meeting for a second straight week. Memphis and UC tangled last Friday — also in Memphis — in the regular-season finale. That game essentially determined home field for this week’s title contest. UM failed to cover as a 12-point favorite, winning 34-24.

2. Both teams are Group of Five standouts and eager to show the CFP committee their best wares. The home-field part is key as both the Bearcats and Tigers are solid on defense, but Cincinnati has been a much better defense at home (4.1 yards per play compared to 6.4 YPP yielded on the road). Against four foes November opponents (SMU, USF, Houston, Cincinnati), the Tiger defense allowed just 346 yards per game. Against an easier schedule, the Bearcats allowed 407 yards per contest.

3. UC’s Luke Fickell and UM’s Mike Norvell have both put together great recruiting classes of late. The Bearcats may have a slight talent edge overall, but the 2019 Tigers have better play at quarterback and are more dangerous offensively.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Cincinnati at Memphis: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Memphis 34, Cincinnati 17

Moneyline (ML)

We will lay off the moneyline here. Memphis (-334) is just too chalky, with a $10 wager on an outright win for the Tigers returning a profit of $2.99.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Memphis is 7-1 ATS over its last eight late-season home games. The lone loss was while falling two points short of a cover in last week’s game.

Cincinnati has more built-in turnover/special-teams swings and hidden yards. The analytics led to UC being a fade in Weeks 12 and 13 and then a play in Week 14. All three weeks were wins, going against, against and then for.  The Bearcats are a slight fade this week, coming off a close game last week and some one-score wins last month. Take MEMPHIS (-9.5, -110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 57.5 (-105) is a slight lean here, but it’s slight enough as to not make for a strong recommendation.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @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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Mike Norvell gets No. 18 to American Athletic title game by staying true to gambling nature

The biggest play of the most important game of this historic Memphis football season was about Mike Norvell staying true to Mike Norvell. Because after he went for it when he could have padded the lead and failed, he went for it again. He dialed up …

The biggest play of the most important game of this historic Memphis football season was about Mike Norvell staying true to Mike Norvell.

Because after he went for it when he could have padded the lead and failed, he went for it again. He dialed up a trick play that was equal parts aggressive and successful. That was everything Norvell has proven to be during his four years as the Memphis head coach.

Tailback Patrick Taylor took the hand-off from quarterback Brady White, then Taylor flipped the ball to wide receiver Kedarian Jones, who then tossed the ball back to White.

Streaking down the field was wide receiver Damonte Coxie, who out-leaped a Cincinnati defender for a 46-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter that pushed the Tigers' lead back to double digits.

Never mind the stakes of the situation. Never mind what conventional wisdom would have suggested. 

This was the defining blow in the Tigers' 34-24 win over Cincinnati on Friday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, even though this roller coaster of a game was far from over.

There was still a Memphis fumble recovery overturned by replay, a 51-yard third-and-15 conversion by Cincinnati the very next play, and a touchdown to draw the Bearcats within a field goal again. There was still an interception by White and another defensive stand by a Memphis defense that was gouged at times in the first half. 

BOLD PREDICTIONS: Our experts forecast unexpected results for Week 14 

STAFF PICKS: Predictions for all the Top 25 during rivalry weekend

RIVALRY DRAMA: Five games in Week 14 that will impact the playoff race

But all of it happened because of that one play, because Norvell stayed aggressive when other coaches might not have.

It's why Memphis is now in the midst of the first 11-win season in program history. It's why the Tigers will play in their third-straight American Athletic Conference championship game and they'll get to host it next Saturday at the Liberty Bowl against this very same Cincinnati team.

It's why, ultimately, this program is just one more win away from playing in the biggest bowl game this city has ever seen. 

But that bowl game, that one last win, it won't validate Norvell. That's already done. Friday was just more confirmation.

All you had to do was listen to the thunderous "Let's go Tigers" chant that broke out with less than four minutes to go, right before Antonio Gibson iced this game with one last touchdown run.

So as Memphis went through a muted postgame celebration, it seemed like ages ago these two teams traded questionable coaching decisions in the third quarter with the Tigers nursing a 20-17 lead.

First, Norvell called timeout facing third-and-1 from the Cincinnati 15-yard-line, watched tailback Patrick Taylor Jr. lose a yard and elected to go for it on fourth-and-2 instead of settling for a short field goal. 

White's bootleg pass was incomplete and momentum was firmly with Cincinnati all of a sudden.

But Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell, facing fourth-and-1 from the Memphis 17-yard line, responded to Norvell's aggressiveness by leaving his offense on the field rather than attempt a game-tying field goal. The Memphis defense responded, stuffing Cincinnati during a second half that was dominating as the first half was worrisome. 

Another Memphis rout seemed in the offing when this regular-season finale began. Defensive back Chris Claybrooks took the opening kickoff 94 yards to the house, and Memphis made the AAC’s best defense look like every other defense it has faced in recent weeks and quickly built a 17-3 lead.

But Cincinnati proved to be up to the challenge, which should not have been, in retrospect, much of a surprise considering the Bearcats had just one loss — to Ohio State — coming into this game. There’s a reason Fickell and Norvell are both always listed on those coaching hot boards whenever a Power Five conference job opens up. 

So there was Cincinnati during a second quarter in which it methodically took apart the Tigers’ defense and got back into the game. Bearcats redshirt freshman Ben Bryant, making his first career start, completed 11 of 12 passes, dissecting the Memphis secondary during two touchdowns that took a combined 26 plays, gained a combined 165 yards and ate up 11:30 of game clock before halftime. 

By halftime, a very clear message had been sent. Getting back to the AAC championship game was not going to be easy.

Two teams playing in back-to-back weeks with a league title hanging in the balance has happened three times before, including each of the past two seasons.

In 2012, Stanford beat UCLA by 18 in their regular-season finale but needed a fourth-quarter comeback to win the Pac-12 championship game. 

In 2017, Boise State and Fresno State played twice in a row. Fresno State won the regular-season finale and Boise State came back the next week and won the Mountain West Conference championship game.

Last year, meanwhile, Middle Tennessee State and UAB went through this and it's the only time both games were played in the same location (Murfreesboro). In this instance, MTSU won the regular-season finale and UAB turned around and won the Conference USA championship game. 

Which is all just to point out that Friday's seesaw affair might not be an indication of what's to come next Saturday. 

But Norvell will still be Norvell, so you have to like the Tigers' chances.