Last week was a major test for the Cincinnati Bearcats program. Cincinnati has lost most of the key assets from its 2021 College Football Playoff team. The key betting on College Football departure was quarterback Desmond Ridder. And the Bearcats were facing an ascending Arkansas Razorbacks team on the road. Arkansas prevailed in front of a packed house. But Cincinnati showed well. The Bearcats issued a warning with their performance that they were not falling back into the shadows. This week UC hosts FCS Kennesaw State.
Kennesaw State Owls vs. Cincinnati Bearcats NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 10, 2022, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN+ |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Kennesaw State at Cincinnati SBG Odds Overview
Kennesaw State is coming off a stunning sports betting loss to Samford in their opener. But the Owls remain a quality FCS program. Still, Cincinnati will draw most of the betting action as a 2021 College Football Playoff participant.
Kennesaw State Owls Team Overview
Last week Samford opened the 2022 season with a thrilling and unexpected 27-17 win over Kennesaw State. The Owls fell in their first game since leaving the Big South, where they won three conference titles in seven years. Including last season. Now they are in the Atlantic Sun this season.
Kennesaw State entered the national scene as a new FCS program in the late 2010s. Subsequently, they reached back-to-back quarterfinals in 2017 and 2018. The Owls haven’t reached that point in the postseason since. However, they did make the second round in 2019 and 2021.
Ranked the No. 8 in FCS, the Owls finished 11-2 overall and 7-0 in the Big South. They beat Davidson 48-21 in the first round of the playoffs before losing 32-31 at ETSU in the final minute. Last year KSU ranked No. 23 in FCS scoring offense and No. 18 in scoring defense.
Quarterback Xavier Shepherd leads the option offense after a fabulous 2021 season. To show, Shepherd rushed 240 times for 867 yards and an FCS-leading 23 touchdowns. Also, Shepherd was a good passer. He completed 77-of-123 passes for 1,341 yards, 15 TDs, and three interceptions. The 1,341 yards and 15 TDs were both program records.
Cincinnati Bearcats Team Overview
The Cincinnati Bearcats are coming off a 31-24 loss at the Arkansas Razorbacks as 6.5-point dogs. Additionally, the game was a push on the total of 55. Cincinnati’s Ben Bryant, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, ultimately threw for more yards passing (325) and just one fewer touchdown. Still, an interception at the Arkansas 20 turned into a Razorbacks score on the next possession.
The pick was one of several mistakes the Bearcats made. Four of Cincinnati’s first-half drives ended in Arkansas territory. But an interception halted one. And Ryan Coe missed two field goals. Including one from 25 yards.
Cincinnati had pulled within a touchdown on Bryant’s throw to Nick Mardner halfway through the third quarter.
And then UC recovered a fumble inside the ten on the ensuing play. The Bearcats started three yards from the end zone. But four penalties later, they managed just a 25-yard field goal. In sum, Cincinnati had the talent to win the game, but its mistakes were too plentiful against a quality opponent.
Kennesaw State at Cincinnati SBG Free Picks
Accordingly, in this online wagering matchup, the Bearcats should take their frustrations out on the Owls.
Kennesaw State at Cincinnati SBG Best Bet: Cincinnati Bearcats.