Cincinnati Football: 2017 season preview, predictions
By Zach Bigalke
Defense
Last year, the Bearcats were a team of contrasts. They boasted a mediocre secondary that allowed opponents to efficiently pile up yardage through the air. But they also ranked among the top dozen teams in interceptions. After lulling opponents to continue throwing the ball, they would then break their spirits with another pick.
Few defenses were on the field more than the Bearcats, who ranked 119th in time of possession last year. Neither the rushing nor passing defense was especially strong, ranking 75th in yards allowed on the ground and 74th in yards given up through the air. They still managed to give up less than 27 points per game, thanks in large part to a red zone defense that held opponents scoreless 20 percent of the time they ventured inside the 20.
The new coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, will need to replace six starters. With a new crew, the staff will hopefully manage to devise ways of getting more pressure up front in the upcoming season to balance out their ballhawking on the back end.
New linebackers need to step up in a rebuilt corps
Freeman’s specialty is linebackers. Before landing his first coordinator gig at Cincinnati, Freeman was the linebackers coach under Darrell Hazell at first Kent State and then Purdue. All three starters from last season’s unit are now gone, meaning Freeman will be starting from scratch.
Sophomore Perry Young played a reserve role in all 12 games as a true freshman last year, and looks ready to start on the weak side. Redshirt junior Tyrell Gilbert will take over on the strong side. Gilbert played with a hand injury for much of last year and was forced to sit out four games with other injuries. The coaches will hope he stays healthy this season.
And junior-college transfer Jaylyin Minor is ready for a starting role at middle linebacker. Having transferred with three years of eligibility, Minor played a reserve role in 20 games over the past two years. He is the most experienced member of the bunch and will be the anchor of the unit.