Grading The Cats: Cincinnati Plays Worst Game of Season in Blowout Loss to West Virginia

Where are the signs of improvement?

Author:
Russ Heltman
Nov 20, 2023 9:29 AM EST

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CINCINNATI — The Bearcats didn't do much of anything right in the rekindled rivalry against West Virginia. Cincinnati posted its lowest-graded game as a whole this season on PFF (54.1 team grade) in a 42-21 loss that felt a lot more lopsided than 21 points.

The offense and defense were both putrid as just two offensive players graded 70 or better, with three on the other side of the ball. It's a clear sign of regression as the team is expected to lose a ninth game on Saturday.

Chamon Metayer (77.4) and Corey Kiner (70.3) led the way on offense. That duo created most of UC's offensive production along with Xzavier Henderson (69.2). Emory Jones (60.7) played another rough game as a Bearcat, posting a 52.4 passing grade.

Brady Lichtenberg (26.2) was even worse in his limited snaps. The 2024 quarterback may not be on the roster right now, with Brady Drogosh buried on the depth chart and relegated to third-string reps.

Jones and Lichtenberg were among 10 offensive Bearcats to grade 61 or worse. Deondre Buford (59.7) played another 32 snaps on Saturday. Philip Wilder (69.3) has been much better all season, but can't get the starting gig for some insane reason.

Buford has given up by far the most pressures and sacks of any UC player this season.

It's legitimately insane that he keeps getting snaps when Wilder's been much better.

Moving to defense, Ken Willis (88.4) led the way thanks to his interception in the second half. He, Dontay Corleone (75.3), and Daniel Grzesiak (71.7) were the only 70-plus grades.

Only 18 defensive players got snaps, as the youth movement is non-existent.

Jordan Young returned to meh status with a 62 overall grade, including three missed tackles. The safeties were horrific as Taj Ward (41.1) and Bryon Threats (41.4) posted their worst games of the season. The linebackers weren't any better as the West Virginia runs hammered them.

Jack Dingle (38.7) continues to struggle as he fights through injury. Dorian Jones (29.8) has sneakily been consistently bad all season, with one single-game grade above 61 (72.7 against Baylor).

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