No. 2 Bearcats seeks improved form at reeling Green Wave

NEW ORLEANS — Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell and the No. 2

Bearcats’ sound eager to prove that a close

call at unranked Navy last week was more of

a mirage than a potential sign of weakness.

That could spell trouble for reeling Tulane (1-6, 0-3 American), which has never

beaten a top-five team in its history, and hasn’t beaten a Division I FBS team this season.

On Saturday, Cincinnati (7-0, 3-0) will

become the highestranked team to play

in Tulane’s on-campus Yulman Stadium, which opened in 2014.

But the Bearcats looked a bit vulnerable while narrowly holding off fourtouchdown underdog Navy 27-20 last Saturday.

“An incredible lesson for us,” Fickell said. “We got to continue to do a better job

of handling all the things that come along with the successes, the wins, the attention.”

Oddsmakers aren’t giving the Wave much chance, favoring Cincinnati by more than three touchdowns, according to Fanduel Sportsbook.

Tulane went to bowl games the past three years and was seen as a potential contender

in the American Athletic Conference entering this season. Their season-opening five-point loss at Oklahoma in a game

moved from New Orleans because of Hurricane Ida briefly prolonged such expectations.

But after Tulane defeated Fcs-level Morgan State, the Wave slid into a five-game skid.

“It’s obviously been a difficult year,” head

coach Willie Fritz said. “All I know is that you’ve just got to keep

after it and keep grinding and stay as positive as you possibly can.

“We’re not going to sit around and hold hands and sing songs all day,” Fritz added. “We have to point it out when guys are

screwing up and we’re doing that as well. But you have got

to stay positive with it. I’ve met with the captains a few times and we’re changing some

things.”

Quarterback Contrast

While Cincinnati senior quarterback Desmond Ridder is one of the Bearcats’ best players and the winningest active QB in college football, Tulane wasn’t even sure

this week who its QB would be.

Starter Michael Pratt took a heavy hit

in a 55-26 loss at No. 19 SMU last week and

entered this week in a concussion protocol.

“We’re not sure what’s going to happen with him right

now,” Fritz said. “We’re hoping he’s going to be able to play.”

Fritz said running back Josh Coltrin and receiver Christian

Daniels — who both played QB in high

school — were practicing this week as QBS because regular

backup Justin Ibietta also is hurt.

Ridder has passed for 1,620 yards and 15 TDS, and has rushed for 134 yards and

three TDS this season. He comes in 38-5 as

starter in his career.

BEARCATS,