Key Matchups: Cincinnati vs. Marshall

Chazz Anderson/Zach Collaros vs. Marshall Defense

One thing is certain for the Marshall game: Cincinnati will start a redshirt freshman at quarterback. The two Ohio natives will battle it out during practice this week for the starting nod, with head coach Brian Kelly saying it may be a game-time decision.  Whichever quarterback makes his first start, Kelly is confident they can lead the Bearcats to success. Both quarterbacks may see time in the game, depending on how well the starter handles former Cincinnati head coach Rick Minter’s defense.

With a redshirt freshman making his first collegiate start under center for the Bearcats, Cincinnati can expect the Marshall defense to bring constant pressure in an attempt to get Anderson or Collaros riled.  The Thundering Herd have accumulated 21 tackles for loss and six sacks this season already, and they boast five players that have totaled more than 30 tackles throughout the team’s first five games.  “They play hard, they’re fundamentally sound, it’s what you would expect from any defensive coordinator,” Kelly said.

UC Offensive Line vs. Marshall Defensive Line

Whoever starts at quarterback for the Bearcats needs the offensive line to play well. “Our offensive line is confident in keeping him clean,” said starting right guard Trevor Canfield.  “No offense to coach Kelly, but you could put coach Kelly back there and we’ll be alright.”  The line has gone two full games without giving up a sack, but is expecting a fury of blitzes from the Thundering Herd this week.  Kelly said the protection his quarterback receives will be of key importance during the game.

“Last year they were banged up,” said Kelly of the Herd’s defense.  “I mean they had four or five guys on the defensive line they they’ve got back.”  Also new to this season is Marshall’s defensive line primarily playing just three down linemen as opposed to four. “I kind of like four down because then they’ve got somebody over me that I can beat up,” he said.  “Three down I’m going up to the linebacker and trying to get those fast guys, but I’d rather have someone over me.”

Special Teams

Cincinnati wide receiver Marshwan Gilyard leads all of the FBS college football in kickoff returns this season, averaging 36.33 yards a return.  After missing two PATs against Eastern Kentucky, kicker Jake Rodgers has yet to miss another kick, including two field goals, one of which being the game-winner at Akron.  Behind All-American punter Kevin Huber, the Bearcats continue to lead the nation in net punting, averaging 46.69 yards per punt. The Bearcats’ kickoff coverage will be key to their success in the winning the field position battle against Marshall.

Behind running backs Darius Marshall and Chubb Small, the Thundering Herd rank No. 19 nationally in kickoff returns.  “That’s going to be a huge matchup, our kickoff team against their kickoff return team from Marshall,” said coach Kelly.  Darius Marshall is averaging 35.4 yards each return and is currently ranked No. 15 in the nation with 168 all-purpose yards per game.  Kicker Craig Ratanamorn, a former Marshall soccer goalie, has missed the teams past two games and is listed as day-to-day.  He is perfect on his kick attempts this season.