Bearcats Beat: Looking at the keys to Saturday’s game against Northwestern State

CINCINNATI — Games against FCS teams can be tricky to prepare for and play in. These teams are a level below the FBS, the main level of college football. But that doesn’t mean they can be taken lightly.

Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield and players emphasized that they are not taking Northwestern State, their opponent on Saturday, lightly by any means. They know this game counts just the same as the other games on their schedule.

This game is also important because the Bearcats still have areas that need improvement. Defending the pass, getting off the field on defense, and integrating the run and pass on offense are areas the Bearcats still need to improve ahead of Big 12 play starting in two weeks.

Another reason this game is important? The Bearcats are on a bye next week, and they need to go into their week off with momentum and a good feeling that they handled their business against an FCS school.

Let’s look at the keys to Saturday’s game against Northwestern State.

Keys to the Game

1. Run the ball

At the end of the day, this is the Bearcats’ offensive bread and butter. They want the running game to open up the passing game. This is a game on Saturday to reestablish their running game and demonstrate that this is their offensive identity.

2. Limit explosive plays

The Bearcats’ secondary, despite an overhaul this offseason, is still susceptible to giving up big plays. Northwestern State just got shut out at Minnesota last week, 66-0. They may look to air the ball out to inject some confidence. The Bearcats have to be ready for those.

3. Get some turnovers

The great Bearcats teams from 2018 to 2021 could force turnovers and change the momentum of games. Through two games this season, the Bearcats still do not have a takeaway. That has to change on Saturday.

4. Put this game away early

Last year, in the season opener against Towson, the Bearcats won 38-27. The game should never have been that close. Saturday should be better, facing an FCS team. If this game is close, fans will not be confident heading into Big 12 play.

Score Prediction: Bearcats 52 – Northwestern State 7

This is betting on this year’s Bearcats roster being better than last year’s. If it is, they win this game going away. Winning 52-7 would have fans still feeling somewhat optimistic about what this season could be.