NAVY KEY: STOP THE RUN
Unlike most teams in the pass-happy American Athletic Conference, Cincinnati wants to establish the run to set the tone. The Bearcats boast a big offensive line and several outstanding ball-carriers. Sophomore tailback Michael Warren leads the team in rushing with 863 yards and 12 touchdowns. They have a couple excellent backs and run the ball real well. Warren runs hard, is real quick and can break tackles,” said Navy defensive coordinator Dale Pehrson, who is concerned about Cincinnati’s run-pass option game. Quarterback Desmond Ridder is second on the team with 371 rushing yards and the Bearcats have a nice RPO package involving tight end Josiah Deguara (27 receptions for 343 yards).