Seven Things That Need to Happen for Bearcats to Have Successful Season

Will Cincinnati be able to maintain their success, despite losing plenty of talent from last years' team?

Author:
Alex Frank
Jun 20, 2022 11:41 AM EDT

The Cincinnati Bearcats football program is preparing to defend their two straight American Conference championships in 2022.

Athlon Sports thinks they will make it a three-peat, picking the Cincinnati Bearcats to win the American championship this upcoming season.

Anything short of a championship can be viewed as unsuccessful, but a lot of things need to happen for the Bearcats to win a third straight conference title this season. Here are seven of those key developments that need to happen.

1. Evan Prater Must be the Starting Quarterback

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Evan Prater (3) runs downfield in the second half of the NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Southern Methodist Mustangs 48-14. Southern Methodist Mustangs At Cincinnati Bearcats 23 — © Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Prater will give the Bearcats the best chance to duplicate the success they've had in recent seasons. They're hoping to win a third-straight conference championship. They could also win 10+ games for the fourth time in five seasons. His dynamic play-making ability and knowledge gained from Desmond Ridder over the last two seasons have him ready to lead the Bearcats' offense.

2. The offensive line must take a step forward

The Bearcats return all five starters on an offensive line that only allowed 24 sacks all season, but there is a lot of room for improvement. The offensive line gave up six sacks in their loss to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. The Bearcats open the season at Arkansas and are moving to a Power Five conference in 2023. The offensive line is going to have to hold up in games against Power Five teams this year and against Big 12 teams starting next year.

3. Someone Needs to Emerge as the Lead Back

While the Bearcats have several reliable running backs, one of them needs to emerge as the leader. On really good Bearcats teams over the last 15+ years, they've always had a bell cow running back. That needs to be the case on this year's team.

4. Charles McClelland must Stay Healthy

Nov 12, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats running back Charles McClelland (0) runs the ball in the first quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports — Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of running backs, McClelland is the veteran of the group. When healthy, his versatility can give opposing defenses fits. His health is the key. He has to stay healthy.

5. There Cannot be a Huge Dropoff at Cornerback

A hallmark of any program is its ability to reload at a position losing great players. That's what the Bearcats cornerback room needs to do this season. All-Americans Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant are both in the NFL, but that doesn't mean the cornerback room can take a major step backward. They don't have to be Gardner and Bryant, but they can't be stark contrasts to them.

6. There Must be an Edge Rush Presence

Most of Cincinnati's 39 sacks last year came from linebackers and interior linemen. Those players are now in the NFL. Noah Potter, a former four-star recruit, needs to step in and provide pressure off the edge to make up for the lost production in the middle of the field.

7. The Kicking Game MUST be Better

Cincinnati Bearcats kicker Ryan Coe (40) kicks off in a drill during a spring practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, March 24, 2022. Cincinnati Bearcats Spring Practice — © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

None of the three kickers on last year's team made over 50% of their field goal attempts. This year's team isn't good enough to overcome those misses.

Transfer Alex Coe has to be a major upgrade on special teams for the Bearcats.

Make sure you bookmark All Bearcats for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more.

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