BearcatReport.com’s Jason Stamm answers five questions about Cincinnati football heading into the Big 12 contest against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday night.

1. What have been the biggest challenges for Cincinnati football as they have gone through all the changes in 2023?

Stamm: The biggest challenge currently is inefficiency in the red zone and near it. The Bearcats can move the ball. They had 376 total yards of offense against Oklahoma, but they were technically 0-2 in the red zone, but were 1-5 inside the 25, with an interception, two turnovers on downs, a missed 26-yard field goal and scored on just a 40-yard field goal early in the game. I’m not sure if there’s one culprit. The offensive line certainly needs to protect better, quarterback Emory Jones needs to be smarter and his skill players have to be smart and make plays as well. The defense has played well and as long as nose tackle Dontay Corleone is on the field, I think it will be in good shape. But Cincinnati has to convert some of these chances if they want to win.

2. Who have emerged as the key leaders for this Bearcat squad?

Stamm: I think on offense, which returned just one starter from last season (center Gavin Gerhardt), it’s been Jones. This is his third school now, after stints at Florida and Arizona State, so he’s been around. And the coaches have counted on him to be a smart, veteran presence. On defense, I think it’s Jowon Briggs for sure. He’s in his fifth season, has a child and is a calming presence. He’s also the guy the coaches have talk to the media, even more than Jones. So I think they have an incredible amount of trust in him.

3. Cincinnati is coming off a couple of close losses. What do they need to do to get past those and get back to winning?

Stamm: As mentioned above, the most important improvement has to be in and near the red zone. On defense, it’ll help having Deshawn Pace back. He’s been one of the most important cogs to the defense the past three seasons and was one of the players the coaching staff selected to represent the program at Big 12 Media Day. Then, an hour and a half before kickoff against Oklahoma, a brief statement was sent out from UC that he was suspended for a violation of team rules. I’ve heard nothing to confirm what that violation was. It apparently wasn’t too egregious, since he’s back for the game at BYU. But it was surprising, of all players to break rules, for it to be Pace. Having him back on the field should also help not only the Bearcats’ defense, but the team overall.

4. Describe the biggest strength and weakness that you see from the Bearcat offense and defense.

Stamm: On offense, I’m not sure if there’s a clear advantage. Xzavier Henderson has separated himself as the clear No. 1 wide receiver. Then, he had just three catches against the Sooners. Corey Kiner, a former Ohio Mr. Football, has shown flashes of explosiveness and big play ability, then had 39 yards on 10 carries against Oklahoma. Jones is the same, but he hasn’t been consistent. On defense, it’s absolutely that line up front. In addition to Briggs and Corleone, Malik Vann has proven to be solid and dependable, as has Eric Phillips. Jack Dingle is also someone to watch, at middle linebacker, but after Ivan Pace Jr. last season, it’s still a drop-off. Pace was just that good. He’s now working his way up the depth chart for the Minnesota Vikings.

5. What do you expect to see Friday night and what do you think the final score will be?

Stamm: It gets talked about every week, so I’m sure BYU fans are tired of hearing about it, but UC has shown some concern with the altitude. Especially on a short week, after getting beat up by Oklahoma, I think it’s a valid point. The Bearcats are absolutely capable of finishing drives with touchdowns. But I’m not sure how quickly they remedy that this week. So I think offense will be harder to come by. I think BYU wins here 31-20.

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