West Virginia Mountaineers vs
Cincinnati BearcatsPredictions & Preview

West Virginia Mountaineers set to face off against Cincinnati Bearcats in Big 12 conference game, highlighting conference realignment in college football landscape

The West Virginia Mountaineers and Cincinnati Bearcats are set to face off in a Big 12 conference game, highlighting the new landscape of college football. While neither team is in contention for the College Football Playoff, their matchup signifies the expansion and realignment of conferences. This game holds historical significance as a former Big East rivalry that has now shifted westward. The teams have met 21 times before, with West Virginia holding a dominant record. Cincinnati is favored to win this matchup, opening at -3.5 and currently at Cincinnati -5.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Mountaineers +166 | Bearcats -196
• Spread: Mountaineers +5 (-110) | Bearcats -5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 56.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cincinnati will win straight-up is 66%.

West Virginia vs Cincinnati Stats

West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia's backup quarterback, Nicco Marchiol, is expected to start this week as starter Garrett Greene is doubtful for the upcoming game. Marchiol had an impressive performance in their win against Arizona, showing growth and maturity since his last start. Head coach Neal Brown praised Marchiol's poise and improvement, emphasizing the team's offensive control during the game. Additionally, the team made changes on the defensive side, firing defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley and appointing Jeff Koonz to the role. Koonz will focus on refining pass coverage and maximizing the pass rush as they prepare to face Cincinnati. With a power ranking of 54, West Virginia is ranked 62 in offense, 97 in defense, and currently holds a 4-4 record for the season.

Cincinnati Bearcats Analysis

Despite a loss to Colorado that exposed defensive gaps, Cincinnati's 5-3 record under new head coach Scott Satterfield is an impressive start. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby led a late rally, but a missed two-point conversion left them needing a touchdown and defensive stop. The game's turning point came just before halftime when a bold decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 backfired. The defense struggled to contain Colorado's quarterback, shedding light on vulnerabilities that need addressing for a strong season finish. With favorable projections for their remaining home games, a bowl appearance seems likely. Cincinnati's power ranking of 59 showcases a strong offense and defense, setting them up for success in future matchups, including West Virginia.

Cincinnati Bearcats Favored Over West Virginia University with Backup Quarterback Starting

With West Virginia University likely starting backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol, the recommended bet is to support the Cincinnati Bearcats with a -4.5 point spread. Despite Marchiol showing potential, he is not at the same level as Garrett Greene, making him a weaker option against Cincinnati's strong defense. Marchiol's limited playing time and the two weeks of game film available for the Bearcats to analyze suggest that he may struggle, especially in a challenging environment like a sold-out Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati has a history of performing well at home, supported by a successful offensive strategy led by Coach Satterfield. Recent standout performances by players like Brendan Sorsby indicate the offense's ability to score points, especially against a struggling WVU defense. With WVU's defense ranking poorly in the Big 12, Cincinnati's offensive weapons are well-prepared to capitalize on this weakness and secure a victory.

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