Key Matchups in Bearcats Season Opener at Arkansas
MACON — The No. 22 Cincinnati Bearcats are gearing up for the season opener Saturday on the road against the No. 19 Arkansas Razorbacks.
It's the Bearcats' first away-season-opener at a ranked opponent since 2004, when they faced then No. 9 Ohio State.
Arkansas poses a bevy of challenges for the Bearcats: an elite running game, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, an experienced offensive line, and a physical All-American linebacker in Bumper Pool.
Here are several key matchups that could decide this game:
1. Arkansas's Offensive Line vs. Cincinnati's Defensive Line
The Razorbacks return four of their five starting offensive linemen from last year. That unit played a large role in helping Arkansas lead the SEC with just under 230 rushing yards per game. The Bearcats are a program driven through the trenches, and this will be the first big challenge for a new-look Cincinnati defensive line.
2. KJ Jefferson vs. Bearcats Linebackers
The linebackers have to know where Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson is going with the ball at all times. Is he going to hand it off? Is he going to keep it himself? There needs to be elite communication and concentration from the Bearcats' strong linebacking corps to slow down KJ Jefferson.
3. Bearcats Receivers vs. Arkansas's Secondary
The Bearcats have an advantage in this matchup, and this is it. Their receiving corps is deeper than it's been in years. And they'll have chances to make plays downfield against a new-look, albeit talented, Arkansas secondary. If the Bearcats can win the battle in the trenches and win the battle on the outside, they will be in position to walk out of Fayetteville with a win.
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