Cincinnati @ Miami (OH) preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2016 ) Miami (Ohio) 20, Cincinnati 27

Cincinnati will look to get back on the winning track when it travels to face in-state rival Miami (Ohio) on Saturday night. The Bearcats are coming off a rough 36-14 setback to No. 7 Michigan while the RedHawks got their first victory of the season, routing Austin Peay at home.

Despite the lopsided final score, first-year Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell has to be happy with his squad, which was within three late in the third quarter against the Wolverines. Still, the Bearcats' offense could use a boost, as the team is averaging 224 yards and 20 points this season, both outside the top 100 in the nation. Quarterback Hayden Moore has been solid if not spectacular, throwing for 283 yards and four touchdowns through two games. Miami, which has lost the last 11 meetings with the Bearcats, ranks ninth in the country in time of possession, holding the ball for an average of 35:37.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Miami (Ohio) -5.5

ABOUT CINCINNATI (1-1): There are possible position battles happening for the Bearcats at two key positions: quarterback and kicker. While Moore will remain the team's starting signal caller after a pair of pick-six interceptions against Michigan, Fickell said sophomore backup Ross Trail -- recovering from an abdominal strain -- could see time against Miami if conditions dictate. Seniors Andrew Gantz and Josh Pasley will compete for the placekicking job in practice again this week after Pasley took the job after Gantz's poor opening-week performance, missing an extra point and a 26-yard field goal attempt.

ABOUT MIAMI (OHIO) (1-1): The key to the RedHawks ending their long losing streak to the Bearcats will likely be the team's defense, which has been dominant in its first two games. Miami ranks 24th in the nation in total defense, allowing 268.5 yards per game, but giving up two special teams touchdowns and a defensive score to Marshall in the season-opening 31-26 loss. Senior defensive back Tony Reid has been a big part of that, amassing 12 tackles through two games as well as recording an interception and a fumble recovery in the win over Austin Peay.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cincinnati RB Mike Boone has rushed for two touchdowns this year, giving the Bearcats rushing scores in consecutive contests after the team went nearly 10 games in 2016 without scoring on the ground.

2. Miami QB Gus Ragland has gotten off to a good start to his junior campaign, completing 34-of-67 for 443 yards and five touchdowns against one interception.

3. The last three contests in this 121-game rivalry (Miami leads 59-55-7) have been decided by a combined 18 points, after Cincinnati won the previous eight by an average of 27.6.

PREDICTION: Cincinnati 24, Miami (Ohio) 17