Nov 5, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of the official helmet worn by the Cincinnati Bearcats showcasing military appreciation at Nippert Stadium. Brigham Young won 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports — © Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

UC Football Schedule Breakdown: Bearcats Prepping For First Big 12 Slate

Why the Bearcats schedule sparks more optimism for their first season under Scott Satterfield.

Author:
Alex Frank
Updated:
Feb 2, 2023 8:51 AM EST

In this story:

Cincinnati Bearcats

MACON — The Cincinnati Bearcats' inaugural Big 12 schedule dropped this week, and it's sparking more optimism for the 2023 season.

Despite a new head coach in Scott Satterfield leading the way and a large roster turnover, there is hope the Cincinnati Bearcats can make a 14th bowl game in their previous 17 seasons.

I broke down what I like and don't like about the 2023 Bearcats football schedule.

What I like

Having five conference home games and seven home games overall is a boost.

There is so much excitement surrounding the Bearcats fan base heading into the Big 12, and now those fans get to see five conference home games, including Oklahoma to start Big 12 play. The campus will be buzzing all week leading up to that game.

The Bearcats caught a huge break in avoiding the top four teams in the Big 12 last year. They don't play Kansas State or TCU, and they also avoid Texas and Texas Tech. Oklahoma and BYU will be difficult, but they get those two games out of the way right out the gate.

Compare the Bearcats' schedule with UCF, Houston, and BYU, and UC catches a clear break.

What I don't like

Playing Oklahoma and BYU to start will not be easy.

It's logical to think Oklahoma will be better, and a trip to Provo, Utah on a short week is far from a cakewalk. Get out of that stretch 1-1, and things are looking good. But an 0-2 start to conference play would be disastrous with 14 teams vying for two conference championship spots.

There are three more teams in the 2023 Big 12 than the 2022 American group. Cincinnati won't be the betting favorite to start its first season in the Big 12.

Way too Early Game-by-Game Predictions

Week 1: vs. EKU (W 38-7)

Week 2: @ Pitt (L 28-17)

Week 3: vs. Miami (OH) (W 34-17)

Week 4: vs. Oklahoma (W 31-24)

Week 5: @ BYU (L 34-21)

Week 6: BYE

Week 7: vs. Iowa State (W 38-17)

Week 8: vs. Baylor (W 30-20)

Week 9: @ Oklahoma State (L 27-21)

Week 10: vs. UCF (W 27-24)

Week 11: @ Houston (L 31-24)