OFFENSE

If the spring game taught us anything it’s that Cincinnati’s offense should be as explosive as last year, if not more dangerous. UC’s quarterbacks threw for over 1,000 yards that day and the unit as a whole crossed the goal line 10 times.

The Bearcats return every single key contributor at wide receiver from last season, a total of 6 seniors. There’s no one player for defenses to hone in on. If they double-cover the 6’6″ Mekale McKay on the outside it leaves Mr. Good Hands Shaq Washington open over the middle. If they bring down a safety to cover Shaq, the speedy Chris Moore could burn his coverage on the outside for an easy touchdown. Overall, the weapons the Bearcats are working with on the outside should create headaches for opposing defenses.

The key cog, though, will be junior quarterback Gunner Kiel. His added year of experience should allow him to build on an impressive 3,254 yard, 31 touchdown performance in his inaugural season as a Bearcat. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see him throw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2015.

DEFENSE 

Coming out of spring ball, the defense appeared to be as questionable as last year. They had their moments, sure, but were torched in the spring game. Backup quarterback Hayden Moore, a redshirt freshman, even threw for 391 yards and 3 touchdowns on them. Granted, a handful of starters were kept out of the spring game but, still, it was a bit concerning.

I’d have to believe the fact that they’re on their fourth different defensive coordinator in four years can’t help matters. Steve Clinkscale isn’t new to the program, he was promoted from defensive backs coach, but making even the most minute adjustments to schemes and play calls can mess with players’ heads. However, we’ve seen an uptick in the talent level on this year’s defense over last year’s. Will faster, more athletic players overcome the tweaks in defensive strategy with Clinkscale at the helm? That remains to be seen.

BUYING OR SELLING?

If UC football in 2015 was a stock, I’d invest my life savings in it. The Bearcats’ 4 losses last season were to a national champion, an AAC co-champion, an ACC team with more NFL talent than wins, and a consistently solid bowl team, while UC was playing with their 4th string quarterback.

It’s anyone’s guess if the defense will truly be better this year but with an offense that has established running backs, depth and talent at wide receiver, and a future NFL Draft pick at quarterback, they should be able to outscore most teams. Plus the schedule is more favorable in 2015. UC doesn’t play Ohio State, they get Miami (FL) at home, and while they travel to both BYU and Memphis, they won’t be as insurmountable of opponents as they would have been last season.

Oh, and they’ll call the newly renovated and expanded hornet’s nest that is Nippert Stadium home, in which opponents have lost 83% of the time, instead of the cavernous Paul Brown Stadium. That’s a huge feather in UC’s cap this coming season.

Chris Bains of Bearcats Nation provided the information for our Cincinnati football 2013 spring wrap up. For more Cincinnati football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Chris on Twitter @cinbinbains.