NL Central Preview & Predictions

Opening Day kicks off in just 4 days when the Cubs take on the Cardinals on Sunday Night baseball. The Reds will get things started on Monday at 4:00 against the Phillies. Things are looking to good for our Reds, but expectations are not too high anyway.  Here is how I see the NL Central playing out this year.

1. Chicago Cubs 98-64
Joe Maddens team is the favorite to win the NL Central and to repeat as World Series champs again. The Cubbies are a tier above everyone in the division this year, so if they don't win it, I'd be stunned. They have the best player in the division Kris Bryant and the best pitcher in division Jake Arrieta.

They lost Dexter Fowler, but they were without Kyle Schwarber for most of the season last year and still won the division by 17 games.  The one area they struggle is pitching, but even that is solid compared the rest of the league.  It just shows how strong Chicago will be this year. Believe it or not, I think the Cubs will have a strong hold on the division come the All Star break.

2. St. Louis Cardinals 81-81
I said the Cubs were a tier above everyone else. The Cardinals are a tier above the Pirates, Reds, and Brewers and I expect them to take second place easily. They have made the playoffs in 12 of the last 17 years and they will be fighting again for that wildcard spot this year.

As mentioned before, they did pick up Dexter Fowler from the Cubs. There starting rotation looks strong with, Martinez, Leake, Wainwright, Lynn, and Wacha which should be the best in the division. Matt Carpenter will also be batting 3rd this year which is a change.

3. Pittsburgh Pirates 72-90
Here is where the last tier starts. I think we are seeing the beginning of the end for the Pirates.  They have Garrett Cole who is top pitcher in the MLB, but other than that they have some question marks in the rotation.  Their bullpen should be good, but we will see if they can get a lead late in the game.

Andrew McCutchen had a horrible year last year, and they have some gaps in their lineup as well. Other than Starling Marte I don't see much. Ivan Nova had a solid couple months with the team, but they were possible the most disappointing team in baseball last year.  I just don't see the Pirates staying in the race for the wildcard and I think they fold at the trade deadline.

4. Cincinnati Reds 70-94
It will once again be a rebuilding year for the Reds. I though Cincinnati actually had a decent starting rotation until a couple weeks when Anthony DeSclafani and Homer Bailey went down again.  Scott Feldman is now the Opening Day starter.

The lineup will have a lot of young names in Jose Peraza and some other guys. The big question is what will the Reds do with Zack Cozart at the trade deadline? We as fans, should expect much of the same as least year for the Redlegs.

5. Milwaukee Brewers 68-98
It looks like the BrewCrew will be taking last place this year in the NL Central. Ryan Braun is still with the team after having a pretty solid year.  The Brewers traded their next best hitter Jonathon Lucroy to the Rangers last year. If you take away Braun, nobody in their lineup has a better batting average than .269.

The starting rotation has Chase Anderson and Matt Garza if those names ring a bell. Similar to the Reds, the Brewers should be out of it come the All Star break.

Taking A Look At The UC Starting Lineup and Rotation Next Year

Although the season just ended, we are already looking forward to our 2017-18 Bearcats basketball team.  Cincinnati will lose Troy Caupain, Kevin Johnson, and Zack Tobler, but also have some new guys coming who should be solid.  I went ahead and broke down the roster for next year and I don't see many reasons why this team can't have another 30 win season.


STARTING FIVE


PG. Cane Broome

Although UC will miss four year starting point guard Troy Caupain, Cane Broome can certainly step right in.  Broome is a transfer from Sacred Heart where he was the nations 8th leading scorer and he averaged 23 points a game.  The 6-1 guard also put up 3 assists and 5 rebounds a game.  In his first year at Sacred Heart Broome shot 38% from three so he adds that element of his game as well.  Here are some of Cane's highlights. 

 

G. Jarron Cumberland 

After electing to stay home and attend Cincinnati, Cumberland had a very solid freshman season. The highly recruited freshman put up 8.3 points a game, but showed that he can go off in a couple games. Cumberland put up 15+ points in 9 games this season, which is topped by a 26 point performance against South Florida. Cumberland also lead the Bearcats in scoring with 15 points in their final game of the year against UCLA.  This kid is built like a linebacker and is a great driver and finisher. When he gets to the basket, chances are he is going to score.  Jarron has the potential to be great when his four years in Clifton are up. 

G. Jacob Evans

Evans was UC's leading scorer this year with 13+ points a game and their best three point shooter at 42% this season.  In the last 7 games Evans had at least 4 rebounds in everyone.  He averaged just 4.2 for the season.  Evans was UC's dominate scorer and I expect him to lead the team in that category again next year.  He should be the Bearcat's best guard next year.


F. Gary Clark
Clark has become a staple of this team for the last couple of years. Gary has been known for his double-double and Jon Rothstein tweeting "Gary Clark is a problem."  Clark averaged 10.8 points and 7.9 rebounds a game this season.  Gary is a great finisher at the rim and gets a lot of offensive rebounds.  He ended the season with 9 double-double's.  Clark also attempted a lot more three pointers this year than he did last year. He started out hot, but made just two three's in the last seven games. He shot 28% from beyond the arc last year.


C. Kyle Washington
Washington transferred from NC State, but he was a huge reason why the Bearcats were able to win 30 games this year. He threw up a lot of shots that you would wonder how he got them to go in the basket. Nonetheless, he still put up 13 & 7 a game. Washington had 25 games in which he scored 10+ points this year. Unfortunately, he did not end the year the way he wanted to, but he made some big shots for the Bearcats.  He also shot 36% from three point range this year. 


BENCH


G. Justin Jenifer: Despite only seeing 12 minutes a game this year, I thought he improved a lot.  JJ proved that he could take care of the ball. Last year he had 17 turnovers on just 8 minutes a game. This year he had 16 turnovers on almost 13 minutes a game.  He also had a 4:1 assist/tunover ratio.


F. Tre Scott: This 6-8 freshman played just 10 minutes a game this season. Scott certainly has the potential, but he leaves his freshman year still with a lot of questions. He averaged 3 points a game and 2.5 rebounds, but didn't score in the Bearcats last 6/8 games.


C. Nysier Brooks: He played a big role in the Iowa State game playing minutes down the stretch, but much like Scott, we haven't learned to much about him yet.


F. Quadri Moore: We all are familiar with Moore's struggles. I will say, this year he did show some ability to shoot, but struggled at the end of the year. When ever Washington got in foul trouble, Moore was the one that checked in the game.


INCOMING RECRUITS


SF. Trevor Moore: According to ESPN, Moore is a three star recruit and a 79 overall.  ESPN also went on to say "he is a shot maker how scores in bunches."


SG. Keith Williams: Also a 3 star and 79 overall, Williams stands at 6-4 from New York. ESPN says he's a "well built wing with a cut-up physique. An early bloomer physically." This just screams Mick Cronin's typical athletic defensive player.


C. Eliel Nsoseme: He is a 6-9 center from Canada so he will be UC's first international player since 2013. 


WALK-ON'S


JACKSON BART
JOHN KOZ

5 Most Memorable Bearcat Basketball Games This Season

Last nights lost was deflating, but in this post I reflected on some of the games that made this season so special.  This team won 30 games and will leave a mark they won't be forgotten for a while.


Honorable Mention:


vs. UConn (AAC Tournament) W 81-71
This was the worst officiated game of the year by far. There were 60+ fouls called and the game lasted two and a half hours long.  But that didn't stop Gary Clark from going for 25 points and 9 rebounds.  This game was so special because this was the season the sweep of UConn.  The Bearcats beat the Huskies three times this season, ALL by double digits.  UC also beat them twice in one week on their home floor. 




Cincinnati has struggled with UConn in years past so this was a big step to get past.  UConn had knocked us out the three prior years in the AAC Tournament, all on last second plays.  This was also the first time the 'Cats had advanced to the AAC Tournament Final.




vs. Kansas State (NCAA Tournament) W 75-61
This was arguably the best game the Bearcats played all year.  They shot 63% and basically dominated all facets of the game.  Troy Caupain was 7-10 from the field and scored 23 points to get his 2nd NCAA tournament victory and cruise past the Wildcats.




This game was never in doubt as UC lead by double digits for a good portion of the game.  This is the first time since the 2010-11 season that we easily defeated a team.  That year the Bearcats beat down on Missouri by 15 points and us fans didn't feel like 10 years was taken of our like.

5. vs. Xavier W 86-78
It's always good to get a win in the Crosstown Shootout, but this year was even better.  Xavier came into the game ranked 24th and shots lights out in the first half.  Bearcats trailed 44-36 at halftime, but came put away Xavier with clutch three's from Troy Caupain and Jarron Cumberland.  Jacob Evans led the team with 23 points.




This was the teams first shootout win since the 2012-13 season.  It was a big boost to UC's profile as well because Xavier was at full strength at the time.  Trevon Blueitt dropped 40, but it wasn't enough for the Muskies. 


4. vs. Houston W 65-47
It wasn't so much the game that was so memorable, but our final moments in 5/3rd arena as we know it.  5/3rd is under going serious renovations next year so UC will play their games at BB&T arena.  This was also senior night as we celebrated UC's all time assist leader in Troy Caupain, their best defender on the team in Kevin Johnson, and the most beloved walk-on in a while, in Zack Tobler. 




The game was a blowout since the tip.  Walk-on Zack Tobler scored the first bucket off the game which was a very cool moment to see.  The Bearcats crushed a decent Houston team who needed a win to get into the NCAA Tournament at the time.  Caupain scored 11 points, but had his signature 4 assists & 0 turnovers.  While Tobler scored the final points in the "old" 5/3rd.



3. vs. Marshall W 93-91 (OT)
The Bearcats crept back in to the top 25 polls and we were expected to roll the Thunder Herd before starting conference play and that was very wrong.  Marshall jumped out to a 19 point lead in the first half and could not miss anything.  Marshall finished the game 17-30 from three.  The Bearcats were able to creep their way back in and Jacob Evans hit a clutch three to send the game into OT.  In OT, Troy Caupain hit a game winning jumper to send UC past Marshall.


This was one of the best shooting performances I ever saw from a team UC played. They scored 50 in the first half and were just raining three's the entire game. Prior to that game they had already scored 98 twice and 111 points. There very next game they lost to Pitt 112-106 and finished the year losing in the C-USA tittle game. Check out these highlights from the game.

2. @ Tulsa W 57-55
This was a game to forget for most UC fans. UC trailed virtually the entire game and couldn't score the ball to save their life. With 3:30 left most UC fans probably went to bed as the Bearcats trailed 54-45, but a Jacob Evans steal and dunk brought new life to Mick Cronin's team.  With 38 seconds left Caupain completed an and-1 to tie the game at 55 before he hit the game winning jump shot with 4 seconds left. 


It was a great comeback that highlighted just how resilient this team was. Caupain showed the true leader that he is. UC played the Golden Hurricane two more times this year and blew them out twice. 

1. @ Iowa State W 55-54 (OT)
This was UC biggest win in a while. After last years no shows in big games and losing in the final seconds things looked bleak for the Bearcats.  Down by 4 with under a minute and a half, Gary Clark hit a jumper with 4 seconds to send it to OT. Jacob Evans eventually hit two free throws in the final seconds to bring home the win.


This city really needed this win. UC snapped the longest non conference win streak in the nation and beat a top 20 team in one of the toughest environments out there. It showed just how solid UC was with 4/5 starters scoring in double digits.  All 5 of the starters scored in between 7-13 points.  This was the win UC was looking for last year.

Keys To The Game: Cincinnati Takes On UCLA

We all know how good of an offensive team the Bruins of UCLA are.  Here is what I think the Bearcats must do tonight if they want to win. All the dogs are ready for the fight tonight.  Here's to a Bearcats victory.

3. UC Must Shoot 50% From The Field.

Cincinnati shot 63% from the field in their win over Kansas State over Friday and they need much of the same tonight.  UC isn't going to be able to score 55-60 points and win this game so they need a good shooting performance.  When the Bearcats score 70 points this season they are 17-1 and you better believe they need at least 70 points to win tonight.  UCLA has score at least 75 points every single game this season.

If UC is going to shoot 50% then they probably need big games from at least 3 of these 4 names: Jacob Evans, Kyle Washington, Gary Clark, and Troy Caupain.  Against Kansas State these guys were 22-34 or 65% and combined for 63 points. I am fully expecting big games from Gary Clark and Kyle Washington with how week UCLA is inside.  Hopefully, Troy or Jacob can remain hot from last game as well.

In UCLA's 4 losses this season every team that beat them has shot at least 45%.

2. Second Chance Points

UCLA gets 74% of the opponents misses. While Cincy is able to collect 35% of their own misses, so the Bearcats are going to have some opportunities to score on some offensive rebounds. Cincinnati won't be able to out shoot UCLA so Washignton/Clark/Brooks need to play hard on the glass tonight.
In all four of their losses this season, UCLA has lost the rebounding battle.  The Bearcats are currently 7th in the nation this year in 2nd chance.  UCLA is 215th in second chance.  Because they have so much shooters such as Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf, and Bryce Alford it's important to hold them to one and done if they do miss some shots.

1. Tempo/Pace

These teams could not be more different.  UCLA wants to run as the Bruins average more than 76 possessions per game. Cincinnati is 325th in the nation with just 67 possesions a game so the Bearcats have got to slow this game down.  Mick Cronin said "Look at what happened to Kentucky when they tried to run with them."  UCLA beat Kentucky at Rupp arena 97-92.

If the Bearcats do manage to slow the game down then it could be a difference maker. UCLA #1 in the nation in efficiency scoring 1.190 points per possession each game. The Bearcats are #25 in efficiency scoring putting up 1.105 points per possession.  For UC it's simply, limit the amount of possessions and limit the amount of scoring. That is easier said than done obviously.

UC can do this by not having any live ball turnovers.  Live ball turnovers will lead to easy transition buckets for the Bruins.  You can live with dead ball turnovers, but you just cannot let UCLA run. Mick Cronin's team must play smart.  Good news is, UC is pretty good at taking care of the ball.

Also, this is virtually an away game for the Bearcats tonight.  They won't have many more than the 350 of allotted tickets they were given so they need to keep their composure.
Games Notes:
Tip Off: 9:40
Where: Golden 1 Center. Sacramento California 
TV: TBS
Spread: UCLA -4
Over/Under: 155
Series Record: Cincinnati Leads 2-1
Winner Plays #2 Kentucky in the Sweet 16. 

Bearcats Best Quotes From Sacremento

In case you were unaware, Cincinnati's YouTube channel uploads a lot of content usually featuring weekly highlights and press conferences.  This week they put up a lot of interviews with coach Cronin and the players and here are some quotes that I found interesting.  Too get to the Bearcats YouTube channel click here.


"I felt like I was in Black Hawk down" - Kyle Washington


This took place when Jacob Evans and Kyle Washington were interviewing each other.  Evans asked Washington, "What time did you realize Coach Cronin was crazy." Washington said during the UCF game Cronin was sayin how he needs soldiers, not hero's. Classic Coach Cronin, but Washington said he felt like he was in Black Hawk Down.


"Watching Gary smile with that chipped tooth." - Jacob Evans


Evans was asked what the funniest moment with the team was this season. A week ago Gary Clark got part of his tooth knocked out against UConn and the guys on the team were having a bit of fun with it.  Evans also went on too say when Troy Caupain gets angry in practice is also a funny moment. 


"I would hope the coaches in the Big 12 would not of answered If  I had called them.  There should be some league loyalty." - Mick Cronin


Cronin was asked how well he has prepared for Kansas State and if he had reached out to any other coaches who have played against them.  Mick went on too give credit to his guys that scout the teams and how he has two assistants that have been scouting the Wildcats.  Cronin also said that he has seen K State's last two months of the season on the plane ride to Sacramento. By the way, I'm coach Huggs would of answered.


"People really have to stop coming up and asking me all these." - Kyle Washington


Washington was getting interviewed by Dan Hoard and by now every knows that Kyle has been said to know every division one mascot.  Washington said this after he missed East Tennessee State.  Washington was cracking up laughing in this.  In the end, KW went 66/68 after missing ETSU and North Dakota.


"You could be an average coach and get extremely lucky in this tournament." - Mick Cronin


Mick was asked if this season would be considered a failure if the Bearcats were to get bounced early. Mick said that no matter what it's a success because they had 29 wins and they making good men out of kids and helping them get a degree.  I didn't think it was an ideal answer, but he has a point.  He brought up how Pitt let Jamie Dixon go because of his record in the tournament and how hard it really is and how some of it is part luck.


"What Bill Belicheck say? NO DAYS OFF." - Mick Cronin


Cronin was asked what they key was too winning in March.


Also, a big shoutout goes to UC radio man Dan Hoard who is doing most of these interviews from the team locker room.  Him and Terry Nelson will have the call of the game against Kansas State on 700 WLW.

Who Do The Bearcats Matchup Better With, Wake Forest or Kansas State

Selection Sunday did not go as planned.  Things got started with the Bearcats getting dominated by SMU.  They got a 6 seed which I thought was a little harsh, but they face either Wake Forest or Kansas State, who I think are two pretty solid teams.  Things get worse, if UC wins then they get UCLA...in California.....or Kent State! I went ahead and looked at some stats and who I though UC matched up better with, the Demon Deacons or the Wildcats?




WHO DID THE BEARCATS STRUGGLE WITH






Good defensive teams that rebound. That is the definition of Central Florida and SMU. Rhode Island, SMU, and UCF are all in the top 30 in defensive efficiency.  Butler was number 49 on the list according to KenPom.com.  Wake is 160 on that list and Kansas State is #50.  Both teams are in the top 25 in offensive efficiency, but Cincinnati has handled good offensive teams such as Iowa State, Memphis, and Xavier (when they were healthy.)






Height and rebounding was another factor in those games. Everyone on SMU is between 6-4" and 6-8" so all their starters can rebound. Central Florida had 7"6 Tacko Fall so nothing was ever available in the paint.  Rhode Island is also in the top 20% of college basketball in rebounding.  Butler really isn't that tall.  Wake Forest is 118th in the nation in rebounding caompared to UC at 107th.  Both get a little over 37 boards a game.  The Demon Deacons have a great big man in John Collins.  The 6"10 forward 9.8 rebounds a game and 19 points. He could be a big problem in the middle just like Fall.  Kansas State is terrible ranking in the 300 hundreds in rebounding.  This is the teams that UC has feasted on this year. Nobody on their team gets more than 6 rebounds. 




Three point shooting teams have killed UC all year. Rhode Island and Butler shot 40% from behind the Arc, UCF hit 35% of three's and today SMU was 53% from downtown today.  Sometimes the Bearcats struggle around the perimeter.  Wake Forest is a very solid three point shooting team.  They shoot 39% from three point land this year which is good enough for 34th in the nation.  Keyshawn Woods shoots it at 46% while Brandon Childress and Mitchell Wilbekin both shoot it over 40% from deep.  The Demon Deacons have three more players who are at least 35% from three this year, they can really stroke it as a team.  That is why they are so good on the offensive side of the ball.  Kansas State Kansas State is 36% from three this year.  Dean Wade is their best shooter at 40% from three while 4 other players for the Wildcats are in the high 30's.  UC shoots the three at a 35% clip and Jacob Evans is the only player shooting it at over 40%.




The Bearcats have been one of the best in turnover margin this entire year. Kansas State is not a very good team in terms of taking care of the ball. They average 13+ turnovers a game this season while Wake Forest under 11 turnovers a game this year.  Cincinnati turns it over 9 times a game. 


Matchup wise, I do think Kyle Washington would have trouble with Wake Forest big man John Collins. Washington did not play good today during SMU and we saw how that went. Bryant Crawford is sophomore guard who is Wake Forest's version of Troy Caupain, he puts up 13 a game and shares the ball with 5.5 assists a game. 




A big reason why I would like to see us face Kansas State because we can go into Gary Clark and Kyle Washington and just dominate inside and crash the glass for 2nd chance points.  K-State reminds me of Houston who Cincinnati handled easily this year. They are a team with good guards who struggle inside. With Wake Forest we probably will have to rely on our guards to make a couple shots and even though the Bearcats are a lot better on offence it still goes south like it did today or against UCF, where the guards such as Caupain/Evans/Johnson did not make anything.




Both teams have shown they are capable of beating some quality teams.  Wake Forest owns wins over Louisville, Virginia Tech, and Miami.  Kansas State has two wins over Baylor who I think is overrated and really solid win over West Virginia.




We all know that during March you throw the stats out the window, but I really do think that Wake Forest would be an extremely challenging game for UC with the dominate play of John Collins and the guards that they have. 


Wake and Kansas State will meet up on Tuesday night at 9:45 in Dayton.

Preview: Bearcats-Huskies Part 3 In The American Tournament

Cincinnati takes the court again after their dominating win over Tulsa on Friday night.  This will be the third time they met this year, both resulting in a blowout win for the 'Cats.  UC enters as 9.5 point favorites in which is virtually a road game in Hartford, Connecticut. 


The Huskies got here by beating #11 South Florida in the first round and then knocking off #3 Houston in the quarterfinals.  To be honest, the Huskies looked terrible against USF.  They eventually won by 11, but it was close the entire game against the Bulls who won just 1 game in the AAC this year.  Last night was a different story.  Jalen Adams scored 23 points and UConn 47% from the three point line and that's how they beat Houston 74-65. The most impressive state is UConn turned it over 14 times compared to Houston 5 and they never trailed in the 2nd half. 


On Sunday UC beat UConn by 20 in a game the Huskies shot just 16 percent compared to last nights 47%. Also, the Bearcat crushed them on the boards getting a lot of 2nd chance points.  Gary Clark had a double-double in the first half. 


The two best players on Connecticut are Rodney Purvish and Jalen Adams.  Adams has been playing hurt, but he is still capable of going off.  They combined for 41 points last night in the win.  Adams and Purvish both average over 13 points.  Big man Amida Brimah is also solid, but he hasn't broken through like I had expected this year.  Christian Vital is also a threat from the three point line as he leads the Huskies at 36%.


But as us Bearcats fans know to well of the History of UConn in American Tournament and basically all of March.  In all three years of the AAC Tournament UConn has knocked out Cincinnati every single year.  Last year, it was the 4OT game which UC got screwed at the end of triple OT on a shot that should not have counted. two years ago Ryan Boatright hit a three at the buzzer to send home Cincinnati in the quarterfinals and three years ago UConn won by one because Sean Kilpatrick missed a layup, but replay clearly showed it was goaltending....so some Bearcat fans may be sweating this one out despite two blowouts earlier in the year. 


For Cincinnati, Gary Clark has owned Kevin Ollie and the UConn Huskies this season.  Clark has combined for 37 points and 25 rebounds in the two meeting this year. 


The thing that worries me most about this game is that it is a road game.  And Cincinnati has struggled the 2nd part of the year on the road.  Luckily they played great in Storrs on Sunday so that gives me a little confidence.  Also, in both meeting Cincinnati has won the turnover margin. If UConn is -9 in turnovers like they were last night they won't win. 


If the guards are making shots then this one is over.  UConn cannot control the duo of Clark/Washington and if you throw in Johnson/Caupain/Evans making shots, then this one will be a double digit win.  Something is just telling me Evans is going to have a good game tonight and I'll roll with it.  84-68 Bearcats get the W.


The winner of this game gets the winner of SMU/UCF.  Bearcats lost to both of these teams on the road.  Another note, for some reason the AAC has this game tipping off at 5:00, but it won't start until 5:40. SMU/UCF starts at 3:00, but UC/UConn is allowed 30 minutes to warm up......

Grading The Bengals In Free Agency

Free Agency in the NFL officially got under way on Thursday as the Bengals made so decisions that were questionable.  Here is their report card. 




WHO IS LEAVING?


Andrew Whitworth Left Tackle (Signed 3 year deal, 36 million with LA)
This was crushing news for the Bengals offensive line.  I fully expected the crafty veteran to be wearing Orange and black next year.  Whitworth was one of the few O-Line man who played decent for the Bengals this year. I thought Whitworth wanted to go to a winning team so going to the Rams seems as a surprise, but I am still stunned that Cincinnati let him get away... GRADE: D-




Kevin Zeitler Right Guard (Signed 5 year deal, 60 Million With Cleveland)
Coming into the day I thought Zeitler would not be a Bengal too much longer, but after not re-signing Whitworth I though we made a run at him. WRONG.  Zeitler missed just 8 games in 5 seasons with Bengals and ProFootballFocus.com ranks him as the 7th best guard in the NFL.  The O-Line was bad, but now it just got worse.  Although, he is going to be the highest paid guard in NFL history, so in the end I do not think he was worth this much money.  GRADE: C


Karlos Dansby (Cardinals)
This will be his 14th season in the league and his third time he has gone back to play for the Cardinals.  He is old and he wasn't that good last year.  He has had a good career, but let's get some younger guys in there.  GRADE: B+




WHO IS COMING BACK?


Brandon LaFell Wide Receiver (10 Million)
This move was also a little surprising.  LaFell had said he wanted to go somewhere he would be the #1 receiver, but that won't happen here with A.J. Green.  LaFell had a great 2016 and reached all of his incentives to get more money.  LaFell stepped up big time when Eifer and Green were hurt, but he will be 31 years old this year.  He is currently ranked as the 41st best receiver according to Pro Football Focus.  He has another year like last year, it's a great move. GRADE: B




Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback (5 year deal)
Some people did not like this move for the Bengals, but I absolutely loved it.  Kirkpatrick is coming into his own as a player and it is paying off for him.  Kirkpatrick played like a top corner in the NFL this season.  This was big because hopefully the Bengals cut Pacman...but if this deal wasn't made then you are going into the season with your best defensive back being Darquez Dennard who has rarely seen any action and William Jackson III who has not played a snap




Randy Bullock Kicker (2 year deal, $1,565,000)
After cutting Mike Nugent, Bullock came in and kicked the final 3 weeks of the year.  Bullock went 5/6 on Field goals and 6/6 on extra points.  Unfortunately the only pressure kick he attempted he missed against Houston on Christmas Eve night on national television.  This deal was made weeks ago, but have yet to really have an opinion on this.  We still don't know if Bullock can fix the kicking problem they had. Plus, if you have a great kicker it helps a lot. Justin Tucker was the reason the Ravens beat Cincinnati this year. GRADE: C






Free Agents Who Still Haven't Signed:
DT Domata Peko
RT Eric Winston
RB Cedric Peerman
DE Margus Hunt
DE Wallace Gilberry
CB Chykie Brown
RB Rex Burkhead




Right now, it looks bad.  The O-Line gave up 41 sacks last year and lost their two best linemen.  I liked the Lafell and move, but receivers don't matter if you can't block and that's how Dallas was so good this year.  The run game was average at best last year so I expect that too take another step back. Best move as of right now is the Kirkpatrick.  The Bengals must keep RB Rex Burkhead and everyone is screaming it, but if history tells us anything, that won't happen. 
Final Grade: D+

Preview & Predictions: The American Athletic Conference Tournament

The AAC Tournament will kickoff on Thursday with some bad teams playing in some worse games, but that doesn't mean this still can't be an exciting tournament.  Here are my predictions.  As always Go Bearcats!


First Round March 9th

#9 East Carolina vs. #8 Temple (3:30 ESPNU)
I said earlier that Temple was a team that I was glad too see on the opposite side of the bracket of the Bearcats.  They kept it close in both games against Cincinnati.  Plus Fran Dunphy is great coach.  With that being said, they have been playing to their level of comptetion.  ECU has a top 20 defense and I like Kentrell Barkley and the Pirates to advance. However, I do think Temple would have a least a little bit of a chance against SMU, unlike East Carolina. BJ Tyson has a breakout game as well.... PICK: East Carolina

#10 Tulane vs. #7 Tulsa (6:00 ESPNews)
These teams met on Sunday night and Tulane got their 3rd win in conference play this year.  Cameron Reynolds and Tulane I think slip this one past Tulsa.  Mike Dunleavy and the Wave have been close in a lot of games this year. Meanwhile, Tulsa has ten newcomers on their team and they have struggled in close games.  The Golden Hurricane is trending in the wrong direction loosing 8/10.  PICK: Tulane

#11 South Florida vs. #6 UConn (8:00 ESPNews)
The Huskies simply won't lose this game. Not on their home floor at least.  The Bulls won just one conference game this season and the last time they met in Storrs it was a 48 point beat down.  Geno Thorpe is the only player capable of the Bulls. I think Brimah can do some work on the boards and get enough 2nd chance points to lead UConn past South Florida. Jalen Adams will put up 20 and the Huskies roll into the quarterfinals.  PICK: UConn

Second Round March 10th

#9 East Carolina vs. #1 SMU (12:00 ESPN 2)
The Mustangs have been a run away freight train in these last couple months and I don't see that changing any against East Carolina. The Pirates have a solid defense, but they can kill ECU on the boards and Semi Ojeleye/Shake Milton won't be stopped.  ECU's only chance is too make it ugly, but that won't happen. Ponies in a blowout. PICK: SMU

#5 Memphis vs. #4 Central Florida (2:00 ESPN 2)
Two teams trending in opposite directions in this one.  Memphis has lost 5/6 while Central Florida has won their last 5 including a win over Cincinnati.  The Knights are #1 in field goal percentage defense because of big man Tacko Fall.  The Knights are also last in turnover margin and that is Memphis' strength.  This one will be tight, but I think Dedric Lawson and the Tigers pull this on out. I think Memphis can contain BJ Taylor in this one. Winner of this may get a spot in the NIT. PICK: Memphis

#10 Tulane vs. #2 Cincinnati (7:00 ESPNU)
Cincinnati blew them out in the first two meeting and I expect much of the same.  UC is just so much better than the Wave. I don't see any Mike Dunleavy magic in this one. Bearcats all over the Wave.  PICK: Cincinnati

#6 UConn vs. #3 Houston (9:00 ESPNU)
A couple weeks ago I really thought UConn had a shot to win this, but not anymore.  They have no momentum and they are extremely banged up.  Jalen Adams must go off if the Huskies want a win.  Rob Gray Jr. will carry to Coogs who are clinging to the bubble, to the semifinals.  They got waxed on the boards on Sunday to Cincinnati and Galen Robinson who is very underrated can rebound.  Too much Rob Gray in the end. PICK: Houston

Semifinal March 11th 

#5 Memphis vs. #1 SMU (3:00 ESPN 2)
It was a 45 point thrashing by the Mustangs when they met up on Saturday. It won't be that bad this team because Tubby Smith will get his team ready.  But SMU is one of the best defensive teams in the nation and they will shut down Dedric Lawson.  Mustangs win by 15+.  PICK: SMU

#3 Houston vs. #2 Cincinnati (5:00 ESPN 2)
This game will be a little closer than the first two, but its going to be low scoring.  However, I just don't think Houston can handle Cincinnati.  The Bearcats crushed them on the boards in the first two previous meetings, but UC also made a lot of three's in those games.  Watch out for Damyean Dotson and the Cougars could pull out the upset if Rob Gray is on.  For now, I'll take the 'Cats. 
PICK: Cincinnati


Championship March 12th
#2 Cincinnati vs. #1 SMU (3:15 ESPN)
These are the two best teams in the conference and this is the game everyone wants to see.  You bet your ass this will be a defensive struggle, but in the end it will just come down to guard play.  Can Evans/Caupain/Johnson beat Ojeleye/Brown/Milton.  I'll say yes.  It will be a dog fight with two good rebounding teams.  Caupain hits the game winning shot and UC goes into the locker room celebrating on Selection Sunday. PICK: Cincinnati

The AAC Tournament Is Set And Here IS What Cincinnati''s Draw Looks Like

The American Athlete Tournament is officially set as all 11 teams have lockup their spot.  First off the tournament will tip off on Thursday with the last 6 teams playing in the 1st round.  For some reason the AAC has settled into having their championship game on Sunday.  They will be on ESPN and the Big 10 will be on CBS.  After those two tittle games the Selection Show will start.  Here is what the AAC Bracket looks like.

We Avoided Some Dangerous Teams: 
First off, I love it.  Although not being the one seed hurts, the Bearcats got a pretty solid draw.
They will avoid playing Central Florida again this season.  The Knights were the only team in the conference besides SMU to beat Cincinnati.  Unless they can knock off SMU, we probably won't see UCF again.

Next, UConn will have to beat Houston to play UC.  The AAC has been in existence for three years and every year UConn has sent Cincinnati home in the conference tournament. Throw that in with the fact that it is right next too UConn's home court makes me a little scared to play the Huskies.  Also they have to win the conference tournament to go dancing.

Lastly, a team nobody is thinking about is Temple.  Besides SMU, Temple was the only team that hung around with UC at 5/3rd arena and UC only beat them by 6 on the road.  Fran Dunphy is great coach and they could potentially make a run.  I'd have full confidence if UC were to play them, I'd just rather play Tulane/Tulsa.

We Get Houston Again: This would be a chance for the Bearcats too add another decent win to their profile.  The 3 seeded Cougars would be a top 100 RPI win (their RPI is 51 so it could be a TOP 50 RPI win.)  Basically they could help our profile the most with the exception of SMU and I feel like UC will take care of them with no problem.  The Bearcats beat them by 9 on the road, and won in blowout fashion on Senior day last Thursday.

Solid Times: Another positive for UC is that they get some quality times.  The first round against Tulane/Tulsa will be a 7:00.  The next round between UConn/Houston will be at 5:00 and the Championship at 3:00 on Selection Sunday.  All games will be on the ESPN family of networks.

Of course, the match up everyone wants is a top 15 showdown between SMU and Cincy. The rubber match unfortunately will be played in an empty arena in Hartford Connecticut, but that's the way it goes. A win for either team could go a long way for their seeding. 

For more on the AAC Tournament click here.

Preview & Prediction: Bearcats Take On Houston On Senior Night

Cincinnati will have one final opportunity at a top 50 RPI win in the regular season as the Houston Cougars come town.  In doing so, UC will say goodbye to seniors Troy Caupain, Kevin Johnson, and Zack Tobler. Also, this will be the end of 5/3rd arena as we know it. "The Shoe" will go under a huge renovation next year and the Bearcats will play all their home games at BB&T arena.

First off, Houston is a pretty solid team sitting at 20-8 and 3rd in the AAC.  The Cougars need to win this game if they are going to have any shot at the NCAA Tournament.  In all these bracket projections Houston seems to fall somewhere in the First 8 Out of the tournament so this is huge game for them. 

Houston's best player if Rob Gray Jr.  He puts up over 20 points a game and can stroke the ball from deep.  In the first meeting with UC, Gray was coming off the Flu and missed the previous game.  He was still able to score 21 points, but UC got the win 67-58.  Gray has scored at least 12 points in every game this season.  He shoots the three ball at 39% and is also averaging 3 assists per game.  He's their best player and UC will not let him beat them.  In the game last year at 5/3rd, Gray scored just 6 points and was 3-11 from the field and 0-4 from three.  

Another player for the Cougs is Damyean Dotson.  He scores 18 a game plus he gets 7+ rebounds a game.  Not to mention he is the teams best three point shooter at 45%.  Houston came into the season knowing they needed someone besides Gray to step up and he has been that guy.  Dotson is the hottest player on this team, the last 9 games he has scored at least 19 points and he has scored 30+ three times. 

The x factor for Houston has been Galen Robinson Jr. He scored just 6 points a game, but he has 137 assists on the year and just 50 turnovers.  He is pretty good defensive player as well considering he has collected 28 steals on the year.  

No surprise that Kelvin Sampson's team gets it done with defense.  The Cougars are 30th in scoring defense allowing just 64 points a game.  The Cougars struggle getting rebounds though.  They get just 35 a game.  Bearcats were +4 on the glass in the first game and I expect them to be even better on Thursday night.  Houston's only true big man is Kyle Meyer, other than that they rely heavily on guards crashing the boards.

I expect the Bearcats too come out hot simply because that is what they have been doing lately.  Kyle Washington should lead the Bearcats in points.  Washington scored 19 in the first meeting to lead the Bearcats.  UC has been hot from three inside the shoe so I think the Bearcats will send 5/3rd arena out on a high note.