After going an uninspiring 4-8 in Year 1 of the Luke Fickell era in 2017, the Cincinnati Bearcats improved in a big way a year ago by going a stellar 11-2 in 2018. Now, as they get set for the upcoming 2019 NCAA college football regular season, the AAC title hopefuls are looking to take another step forward in their evolution to challenge for the AAC title and a berth in a big-time bowl game.
Better yet, if you’re looking to find out just how many victories Cincinnati will likely record this coming season in the hopes of cashing in big on their value-packed NCAAF win total odds in the online sportsbook, then you’ve come to the right place.
Thanks to the expert collegiate gridiron analysis and predictions that you’re about to get, you’re going to have a great idea of just how many games the AAC title hopefuls are going to win in 2019 and whether they’ll challenge for the national championship.
Now, let’s get down to business.
Cincinnati Bearcats 2019 Season Win / Loss Total Odds & Betting Prediction
2018 Team Leaders
- Touchdowns: Michael Warren II (20)
- Rushing: Michael Warren II (1329)
- Passing: Desmond Ridder (2445)
- Receiving: Kahlil Lewis (782)
- Interceptions: James Wiggins (4)
Why Cincinnati Will Top Their Win Total Odds?
There are a ton of good reasons to pick Cincinnati to top their win total odds figure of 6½ victories in 2019. First, the Bearcats will almost assuredly have another strong season rushing the ball after finishing 15th in rushing a year ago (240.1 ppg). Star running back Michael Warren II is back after rushing for an impressive 1,329 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. Making Cincy’s run game even more powerful will be the return of 2017 rushing leader Gerrid Doaks after he missed last season due to injury.
Then, there’s the fact that the Bearcats will have dual-threat sophomore signal-caller Desmond Ridder under center for a full season after he started 12 of the final 13 games and won the AAC Newcomer of the Year award by passing for 2,445 yards and adding another 583 rushing yards on the ground to go along with his 20 TD passes and five rushing scores. Tight end and leading receiver Josiah Deguara is back at tight end and the offensive line looks solid again and should be bolstered by the addition of Michigan transfer James Hudson.
The Bearcats also look like they’re going to be rock-solid defensively after finishing ninth in points allowed last season (17.2 ppg), 11th in total defense (303.5 ppg) and 13th against the run (113.0 ypg). Cincinnati returns three of their top four cornerbacks and star safety James Wiggins who recorded four interceptions a year ago.
Why Cincinnati Won’t Top Their Win Total Odds?
While Cincinnati is clearly a team on the rise, there are also some reasons why the Bearcats might not top their win total odds.
Cincy needs to find a suitable No. 1 wide receiver following the graduation of 2018 receptions leader Kahlil Lewis. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cats also have question marks on the defensive line thanks to the losses of experienced all-league tackles Cortez Broughton and Marquise Copeland and defensive end Kimoni Fitz – a trio that combined for 14 sacks in 2018.
Prediction
After opening with a pair of tough matchups at home against UCLA and on the road at Ohio State, the Bearcats have just two games (at Houston, at home vs. Temple) against opponents over their final 10 games that look like potential losses. I’m completely stunned that Cincinnati’s win total odds figure is so low, but I’m going to say it now. The Bearcats are a lock to reach the 7-win plateau to top their easy win total figure!
Pick: 9 Wins
