David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE
COACH: Butch Jones — At Cincinnati: 14-11, 2 years
OVERALL: 41-24, 5 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Mike Bajakian
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: John Jancek
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2009
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2010
RETURNING STARTERS: 15; 6 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Munchie Legaux, RB Jameel Poteat, WR Anthony McClung, WR Kenbrell Thompkins, DE Walter Stewart, DE Dan Giordano, LB Maalik Bomar, SS Drew Frey
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: On defense, the Bearcats are set at the end positions, at weakside linebacker, with Bomar, and at strong safety, with Frey. On offense, McClung could be a budding star at wide receiver, but only if Legaux improves his passing accuracy. Special teams could be an area of strength.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Legaux has not proven he can excel at quarterback over an entire season or conduct the offense at the level of excellence that Zach Collaros did. There is no go-to running back to start the season, and young players have to blossom on offense.
