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UCF football: 3 bold predictions vs. Cincinnati in Week 12

By Daniel Morrison

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Pat Jasinski #56 of the UCF Knights knocks the ball loose from Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the third quarter on November 17, 2018 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Pat Jasinski #56 of the UCF Knights knocks the ball loose from Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the third quarter on November 17, 2018 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 13: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs with the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Nippert Stadium on November 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated East Carolina 55-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 13: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs with the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Nippert Stadium on November 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated East Carolina 55-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Desmond Ridder out-rushes the running backs

While Desmond Ridder has improved over the years as a passer, he still struggles at times throwing downfield with accuracy. However, what sets his game apart from most quarterbacks is his ability to run. A long strider, Ridder is a smart runner. He sees gaps in the field to take off and run to well, and he’s more elusive than most quarterbacks.

UCF, for all the strengths they’ve had the past few seasons, has not been good at containing dual threat quarterbacks. Add in the four UCF defensive starters being dismissed, including linebacker Eric Mitchell along with defensive ends Kenny Turnier and Randy Charlton, and UCF is playing a lot of inexperienced players in the defensive front seven. That defensive front seven is liable to lose containment and let Ridder leave the pocket. From there he can turn on the jets.

With all of this in mind, Desmond Ridder should have a great day on the ground for Cincinnati. In fact, he’ll likely even lead the Bearcats in rushing against UCF this Saturday.

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