Cincinnati at Indiana - 9/18/21 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Hoosiers (1-1) vs Cincinnati Bearcats (2-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm (Memorial Stadium)
Betting Odds: Indiana Hoosiers +3.5 -- Over/Under: 49.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The 8th ranked Cincinnati Bearcats will travel to Memorial Stadium (Bloomfield, IN) to take on the Indiana Hoosiers this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The 8th ranked Cincinnati Bearcats improved to 2-0 on the season after defeating the Murray State Racers, 42-7, this past Saturday. Cincinnati allowed Murray State to get out to a quick 7-0 lead, however, the Bearcats dominated the Racers the rest of the game and had no trouble cruising to victory after a 23-yard TD reception by Tyler Scott gave the Bearcats a 28-7 lead with 14:13 left in the 4th quarter. Cincinnati outgained Murray State by a 391-242 margin while also winning the turnover battle by a 5-1 margin. Leading the way for the Bearcats was RB Jerome Ford who had 113 rushing yards & 3 TD’s on 18 carries.
On the season, Cincinnati is averaging 45.5 ppg on 466.5 total yards per game (278.0 passing yds/g; 188.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Cincinnati is led by QB Desmond Ridder who has completed 72.3% of his passes for 6 TD & 1 INT while also rushing for 1 TD. Leading the way for the Bearcats backfield has been Jerome Ford who has 234 yards & 4 TD’s on 30 carries. The top receiving threats for the Bearcats have been Tyler Scott (5 rec, 155 yards, 2 TD), Jadon Thompson (5 rec, 91 yards), Michael Young Jr. (4 rec, 75 yards), & Alec Pierce (4 rec, 64 yards).
Defensively, Cincinnati is holding their opponents to an average of 10.5 ppg on 260.0 total yards per game (129.0 passing yds/g; 131.0 rushing yds/g).
The Indiana Hoosiers improved to 1-1 on the season after defeating the Idaho Vandals, 56-14, this past Saturday. Indiana was strong out of the gates against an overmatched Idaho team and had no trouble securing the victory after an 81-yard punt return by a D.J. Matthews gave the Hoosiers a 35-0 lead with 1:49 left in the 1st half. Indiana outgained Idaho by a 338-261 margin and won the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Hoosiers was RB Stephen Carr who had 118 rushing yards & 1 TD on 22 carries.
On the season, Indiana is averaging 31.0 ppg on 285.5 total yards per game (157.5 rushing yds/g; 128.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Indiana is led by QB Michael Penix Jr. who has completed 53.2% of his passes for 224 yards, 2 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for Penix Jr. and the Hoosiers have been Ty Fryfogle (10 rec, 113 yards, TD), AJ Barner (1 rec, 76 yards, TD), Javon Swinton (3 rec, 33 yards, TD), & D.J. Matthews Jr. (6 rec, 30 yards). Leading the way for the Hoosiers backfield has been Stephen Carr who had 175 rushing yards & 1 TD on 41 carries.
Defensively, Indiana is allowing their opponents to average 24.0 ppg on 285.5 total yards per game (157.5 passing yds/g; 128.0 rushing yds/g).
The Bearcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. The Hoosiers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Indiana is a tough place to play, however, the Hoosiers high-powered offense hasn’t looked too explosive so far this season and really struggled against a top-tier team in Iowa in their season-opening 34-6 defeat. Cincinnati is like Iowa as they have an outstanding defense, however, I think the Bearcats are even better as they have an offensive that has one of the better QB’s in the nation in Desmond Ridder and solid rushing attack led by Jerome Ford. Cincinnati in my opinion is the better team on both ends of the field and although I think Indiana will give them a fight early, I see the Bearcats pulling away in the 2nd half and covering this small road spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Cincinnati Bearcats -3.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
