The Bearcats are trailing Virginia Tech 7-6 at halftime. They have kicked Virginia Tech’s ass for the majority of the 30 minutes. The only thing that went right for the Hokies was that they got a deflected ball INT at the 11 to set up their score. There are a number of things that are bothering me about this first half though.
1) The fake field goal
Some people say this was a good call, others say it was a horrible call. I didn’t weigh in on twitter, but I’m in the camp that thinks it was a bad call. It was 4-18. You had a drive where you had points just taken off the board 2 plays earlier. I don’t think it’s settling to take the 3 point attempt and go up 6-0. This is said in hindsight, but I, and many others, thought this in real time. I do think Cincinnati should have gone for it on a 4th down the previous drive before that. Right now, those 3 points separate UC from the lead.
2) Munchie
Mark Ennis just said on twitter something about how UC’s offense would struggle until Munchie was a decent passer. He is not there yet. Some of this is on on the playcalling. He is not accurate throwing down the field, yet UC called at least 2 deep balls he wildly overthrew. One to Jeremy Graves who was in just because. Munchie is highly accurate and has showed off his cannon when throwing 10-15 yard routes around the middle of the field. He can make throws up the sidelines. He does not have a lot of touch on his passes. That showed when he over threw a wide open Alex Chisum on the first field goal drive. They need to play to his skill set, no matter how limited. How he hasn’t had more designed runs called is beyond me. The INT was a horrible throw. The near INT before that was a horrible throw. The fumble was a bad decision. UC isn’t going to win games if he doesn’t make plays.
3) The protection
They aren’t handling the pressure well. Munchie is getting creamed on nearly every pass attempt. The protection has been good at times, but others it’s a sieve and Munchie is getting worked. I don’t know why UC won’t bring in more when Munchie is getting rushed. Hopefully things change in the second half.
4) The lack of awareness on the 4th and 2 play
I knew Logan Thomas was going to run. You knew Logan Thomas was going to run. Your grandma knew Logan Thomas was going to run. The Cincinnati defense did not know this and it was an easy conversion and a score. You have to know your opponent. When they have a giant QB no one on your team can tackle, you should know he’s getting the ball.
Let’s hope the Bearcats get it going in the second half.
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