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Cincinnati Football: 3 bold predictions for big matchup at Indiana

By Jacob Ellerbee

Luke Fickell, Cincinnati Football.
Luke Fickell, Cincinnati Football. /
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Cincinnati will need Desmond Ridder to have a statement game against Indiana
Sep 11, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass against the Murray State Racers in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Desmond Ridder will boost his Heisman resume

Senior quarterback Desmond Ridder will use this big game early in the season to show that he’s a serious contender in the 2021 Heisman race.

Ridder currently completes more than 72 percent of his passes, good enough for 12th-best in the nation. Through two games this season, Ridder has thrown six touchdowns, picked up 538 yards through the air, and surrendered just one interception.

Indiana has allowed quarterbacks to pass for nearly 350 yards this season through the first two weeks of the college football season. Look for Ridder to push the Hoosiers defense to its limits. His masterful command and ability to throw the deep ball — he threw a 48-yard touchdown in Week 1 and an 81-yard touchdown in Week 2 — will aid him greatly in this high-stakes game.

Ridder has been sacked four times this season and his offensive line will need to be firing on all cylinders to protect the constant pressure Indiana will surely be applying throughout the entire game.

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