Alabama A&M @ Cincinnati preview

Cincinnati kick off its third season under coach Tommy Tuberville with a shot at winning the American Athletic Conference after tying for the title in 2014. The Bearcats christen their newly renovated Nippert Stadium on Saturday with a game against FCS member Alabama A&M.

Quarterback Gunner Kiel helms a potent Cincinnati offense that remains largely intact from last year, and a healthy backfield with Hosey Williams and Tion Green should help Kiel shred overmatched opponents such as the Bulldogs. Cincinnati’s defensive situation is far more uncertain, with only five starters returning to a defense that ranked 96th nationally in 2014. The Bearcats are hopeful new defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale can continue the improvement the unit showed late last season, but there will likely be room for error in Week 1. Alabama A&M is expected to start junior college transfer De’Angelo Ballard at quarterback.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: NL

ABOUT ALABAMA A&M (2014: 4-8): Former arena football lineman James Spady is entering his second season as coach of the Bulldogs. Running backs Harvey Harris and Brandon Eldemire combined for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014. Redshirt freshman Damion May is Alabama A&M’s second option at quarterback, and could see time Saturday if Ballard stumbles.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2014: 9-4): Tuberville called Saturday’s contest “a dress rehearsal” but also emphasized its importance. The Bearcats’ speedy secondary should allow the defense to use more blitzes than it did in 2014, which will be necessary if the team hopes to have a notable pass rush. Senior cornerback Adrian Witty was deemed eligible for a sixth season because of medical hardship and his condition will go a long way to determining how risky Cincinnati can be on defense.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cincinnati ended its 2014 regular season schedule with seven straight victories before falling to Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl.

2. Bulldogs quarterbacks coach Willie Totten set records as a college quarterback alongside Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice at Mississippi Valley State.

3. Alabama A&M has not had a winning FCS record since 2012.

PREDICTION: Bearcats 56, Bulldogs 13