Both teams defenses played very well in their openers. The Bearcats held lowly Southeast Missouri State to just 3 points while the Beavers were able to keep Utah in check, holding them to just a single touchdown. On the other side of things, Cincinnati's offensive unit exploded, highlighted by the emergence of transfer quarterback Ben Mauk from Wake Forest. Mauk is originally from Kenton, Ohio and this game is sure to be an emotional high point for him. He will do his best not to let his nerves get the best of him, however. Heading in the opposite direction, Oregon State's offense didn't gel as most fans had been expecting it to in the opener. The lone exception was All-America caliber running back Yvenson Bernard. In a conference that is filled with backs like Jonathan Stewart, Justin Forsett, Ryan Torain, and Joe McKnight, Yvenson Bernard could actually be the best of the bunch. There's virtually no real weakness in the man's game. The Beavers will rely on him to do the load of the work on offense in this game. I believe that this game will come down to who's defense can withstand the body blows and allow the least amount of big plays. Which team plays best in the 4^th quarter will be key.

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Players to Watch:

Ben Mauk (QB, Cincinnati) - Mauk played very well in his first game as starter for the Bearcats, however, the ground game is what did the majority of the damage. If he doesn't commit any turnovers, Cincinnati should win the game.

Yvenson Bernard (RB, Oregon State) - Calling this guy a running back is like calling Terrell Owens unselfish. He's basically a pure athlete who can line up anywhere he wants to on the field and make any play he wants to. Almost like a poor man's Reggie Bush, but with more power up the gut. Heck, he could probably line up behind center if he wanted and still get it done. In the season opener, Bernard had 29 carries for 165 yards and also led the team with 4 receptions for 23 yards. He'll have to put up similar numbers for the Beavers to hold off the Bearcats.

Brandon Hughes (CB, Oregon State) - The junior defensive back really stepped up and may be taking over where Sabby Piscatelli left off last year. Hughes had 5 tackles in the opener, all of them solo, to go along with 2 tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Stats like that show a measure of heart and tenaciousness that transcend beyond the football field.

Mike Mickens (CB, Cincinnati) - Mickens is an All-Big East player waiting to happen. Last season Mickens made second team All-Big East finishing the campaign with 3 INT's (two coming against Big East power Rutgers) and was eighth nationally with 15 pass breakups. It looks as though his improvement has continued over into this season. In the opener, the junior defensive back recorded 6 tackles and grabbed a pair of interceptions.

My Prediction:

I really believe that this game will come down to who can allow the least number of big plays. Both of these offenses are definitely big-play-capable, and the key will be for the defensive units to be able to recognize these plays before they happen. I look for Cincinnati's very underrated defense to prevail with a key stop late in the third/early fourth quarter. The Bearcats win a tight one and finally earn some much-deserved national respect.

Bearcats - 33

Beavers - 27

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wpeery said:

Good article Brian I think the Bearcats wiill win this one but by a much bigger margin. The Cinci defense will likely stack the box and try and contain Bernard, forcing Canfield to put he ball in the air and I can't see him moving the ball very much for the Oregon State offense. It's not his fault he's just inexperienced. Look for Mauk to have a big night in a big way as the Bearcats win this one by two touchdowns before a nationally televised audience.

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September 06, 2007
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wpeery said:

	Is Mauk originally from Cinci? I thought he was from Kenton, OH.
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September 06, 2007
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JEH45 said:

	Mauk is from Kenton, Ohio. His dad was his high school coach.
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September 06, 2007
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Brian said:

	sorry about the error guys, Mauk is from Kenton....(error fixed)
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September 06, 2007
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Lloyds Apple said:

	Bold prediction, but not surprising either. This weekend should be ripe with potential upsets. Watch out Texas, Oklahoma and Auburn....
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September 06, 2007
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Nate said:

	The Bearcats won! It is starting to look like it will be a good season for the Bearcats. Hopefully they don't overlook Miami (OH) and loose the Victory Bell.
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September 07, 2007
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Brian said:

	Well, Cincinnati did what I expected them to do on offense, however, the Beavers looked lost out there....Canfield needs to step his game up by miles. Cincy coach Brian Kelly really did a great job sticking with the game plan of putting the focus on Yvenson Bernard and it worked beautifully.
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September 07, 2007
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