Towson 8/31 2:30 ESPN+

[longtimefan]

One score game.

[Lobot]

The 3-3-5 has known disadvantages in the run game. We ran the 3-3-5 under Marcus Freeman but we had the talent to fill the known gaps. Right now we do not have the personnel to pull this off. I think any comfort I have in the scheme and current personnel is that Veidt will probably be around for a while and our guys will grow up in this scheme and get better.

[Lobot]

I'm going to say this and people are going to be mad.

Kerry Coombs Special Teams and CB units are not ready to play. Kerry is a Cincinnati institution and it bothers me to say this but he needs to retire and pass the torch to someone. Love the guy. He's a positive force in motivation and recruiting but I think it's over.

[fmirzamd]

We have found a QB. How many years he has left?

[Lobot]

We have found a QB. How many years he has left?

He played one at IU last year so this is year 2. He has two more to play after this season.

[Greg7173]

This defense really needs the Godfather to shore up against the run. He would have upgraded a bad defensive day to only mediocre. With the rejuvenation of the offense, mediocre might be good enough.

[Lobot]

This defense really needs the Godfather to shore up against the run. He would have upgraded a bad defensive day to only mediocre. With the rejuvenation of the offense, mediocre might be good enough.

And it's not just him. Jalen Hunt is also out and he was pushing Corleone in practice this spring. We're on the 3rd string NT.

[longtimefan]

I'm going to say this and people are going to be mad.

Kerry Coombs Special Teams and CB units are not ready to play. Kerry is a Cincinnati institution and it bothers me to say this but he needs to retire and pass the torch to someone. Love the guy. He's a positive force in motivation and recruiting but I think it's over.

Nothing new here. But also consider that running the 3-3-5 puts a lot of pressure on linebackers and DB’s, especially safeties. These units have to make lots of decisions, they have to be well coached and flexible. They continue to be killed by TE’s, covered by smaller DB’s instead of linebackers. Maybe it gets better with Dante, but you need excellence from the down 3 to make it work.

[swilsonsp4]

I wasn't as concerned with the defense. UC had 27 different players make tackles. The staff shuttled bodies in and out all afternoon. They got tape on a bunch of new players. It's hard to coordinate and receive continuity, especially in a new system. That is not going to be the modus operandi going forward. They'll still use the bench, but Pitt will face more starters for longer stretches. It would help if Corleone could play, but his health trumps his availability.

[Rufus]

I'm going to say this and people are going to be mad.

Kerry Coombs Special Teams and CB units are not ready to play. Kerry is a Cincinnati institution and it bothers me to say this but he needs to retire and pass the torch to someone. Love the guy. He's a positive force in motivation and recruiting but I think it's over.

I agree. I think his techniques for cornerbacks are not complimentary to today's passing game. Last year the Cb's were all the time getting burned.

[bearcatbret]

We were terrible in the redzone last year, one of the worst in the NCAA. This year does not look much different. Here are the bads: 1 missed field goal, 1 fumble, 1 failed 4th down attempt. Here are the good: 1 TD, one field goal. It seemed that most of our scores were 40 yards out or longer. Some newcomers looked good today.
Here is the game summary from the hometown boys. Sorsby, Transfers Power Cincinnati to 23rd Straight Home-Opening Win - University of Cincinnati Athletics (gobearcats.com)

[bearcatjd]

I’ve said it before,K Combs needs to be just the recruiting coordinator. He cant coach on the defensive end.

[leo from jersey]

I will remain silent until the next game is over. I do hope for improvements though.

[Bearcat Chris]

Was not an easy win that we all expected it would be..... D better play a lot better next week and beyond, or it will be a long season.

B.C.

[London 'Cat]

Watching the defense live was very concerning. They have very many issues to fix. The DBs were constantly beaten, little to no pressure at the line of scrimmage and gaping holes for the opposing RBs, all against an FCS opponent. Maybe it was first-game issues but I was not impressed by the 3-3-5 defense. We'll find out whether it is effective against a true opponent next Saturday. I have my doubts.

The offense looked decent, though they had trouble running the ball in the first half. Sorsby looked sharp but so did Jones last season in game 1. Then we discovered what Jones could do against FBS opponents. Sorsby seems to lock onto his target and not look elsewhere. Red zone offense was average, at best. Royer was certainly a highlight at TE.

A lot of work to be a competitive team. I am not optimistic.