STORYLINES
Cincinnati has won at least nine games six times in the last seven years.
Tommy Tuberville, who holds a 139-83 career record in 18 seasons as a head coach, enters his second year on the Cincinnati sideline..
The Bearcats will play their 2014 home games at Paul Brown Stadium while Nippert Stadium — the team’s venerable home — undergoes an $86 million renovation.
OFFENSE
Cincinnati boats a two-time first-team all-conference pick on the offensive line as OT Eric Lefeld returns. Lefeld was a unanimous selection to the American Athletic Conference all-conference team last year.
QB Munchie Legaux, who missed the last 11 games of the 2013 season with a leg injury, is the only quarterback on the roster with game experience. Coach Tuberville has named Gunner Kiel the starting QB for the first game of the season against Toledo.
The Bearcats return their top three rushers from last season. RB Hosey Williams led the team in rushing yards (655), while RB Tion Green had a team-leading seven rushing touchdowns.
WR Shaq Washington (77 rec., 785 yards) and WR Chris Moore (9 TD receptions) lead a deep group of receivers.
DEFENSE
Cincinnati’s defense has experience across the board, with multiple starters returning on the line, in the backfield and at linebacker.
The Bearcats lose three all-conference performers on defense from last year (DT Jordan Stepp, LB Greg Blair, CB, Deven Drane).
DE Silverberry Mouhon registered 9.5 sacks last year (third in The American) and earned second-team all-conference honors.
LB Nick Temple, who made 80 tackles with 5.5 sacks in 2013, is the top returning tackler from last season.
Six of the top eight players on the depth chart return in the secondary. CB Howard Wilder, S Adrian Witty and S Zach Edwards are returning starters in the defensive backfield.
SPECIAL TEAMS
RB Ralph David Abernathy IV was chosen to American Athletic Conference all-conference first team after he finished with 1,046 all-purpose yards in 2013. Abernathy averaged 21.9 yards on kickoff returns.
The Bearcats return both regular kicking specialists from last year. K Tony Miliano enters his fourth year as the starting placekicker, while P John Lloyd enjoyed his first year as the regular punter.