Cincinnati focused on beating Tulsa, but not on style points
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell believes the contrasting styles of opponents had more to do with recent too-close-for-comfort wins than his team being distracted by all the rankings and playoff hype.
The Bearcats, who are No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings, had to work hard to beat Navy and Tulane in relatively close games on the road the past two weeks.
“We’re playing a triple-option team one week then coming back to prepare for a spread team the next week,” Fickell said. “Maybe they throw in some wildcat or different things. It’s all about making adjustments.”
The Bearcats have been asked a lot about style points, which they will need in abundance if they hope to have a shot at the playoff.
They needed a late interception to hold off Navy 27-20 after the Midshipmen recovered an onside kick in the closing minutes. Then Cincinnati clung to a two-point halftime lead last week at Tulane before pulling away for a 31-12 win.
Cincinnati (8-0, 4-0 AAC) was a heavy favorite in both games, but their
opponents managed to keep the Bearcats’ explosive offense on the bench.
“It frustrates me to sit on the sidelines and see (the opponent) go slow,” said senior quarterback Desmond
Ridder, who has passed for 1,847 yards and 18 touchdowns. “We prepared for it against Navy. Tulane did a good job staying on the field and controlling the possession.”
Tulsa could approach things the same way.
The Golden Hurricane (3-5, 2-2 AAC) lost to the Bearcats 27-24 on a last-second field goal in last year’s AAC championship game.
“We know they’re wanting to get back up here and play us again,” Ridder said. “They have a bad taste in their mouth from last season.”
The Golden Hurricane average more than 30 points per game, led by junior quarterback Davis Brin, who has passed for 2,095 yards with 11 touchdowns.
Tulsa allows more than 30 points per game, but 49 have come on special teams and defensive touchdowns.
The Bearcats will feel like they have something to prove after being ranked No. 6 despite being undefeated with a signature win at No. 10 Notre Dame.
“Pressure is what you apply to yourself,” Fickell said. “This is what you want, what you strive for. We just need to make sure we know how to handle it. It’s all a great thing for our program and community. But you can never live up to someone else’s expectations.”