Five Big Questions: The Answers

We look back at Bearcat Insiders 5 Biggest Questions as to how the Bearcats fared in their game against West Virginia.

Big Question #1: Can the Bearcats keep Pat White in check and not allow him to make the big play?

The Answer: Yes, Cincinnati did keep Pat White from making the “Big Play” that usually gives West Virginia a victory. On the night the Bearcats defense held White to a 2 yard average on the ground with no touchdowns and forced White to throw the football 38 times.

Big Question #2: Can the Bearcats keep Noel Devine from picking up the slack if they hold Pat White in check?

The Answer: Yes, Devine carried the ball 19 times for a net of 58 yards and a 3.1 yard average on the night with no touchdowns.

Big Question #3: Can Tony Pike and the Bearcats receiver out perform the West Virginia defense throwing the football the way Brian Kelly likes to do?

The Answer: No, The Mountaineers average giving up only 186 yards per game and gave up 178 yards on Saturday night. But Tony Pike was solid throwing for just over 50% with an average of 11.1 yards per completion.

Big Question #4: Can the Bearcats have fewer penalties called against them in this big match-up?

The Answer: No, The Bearcats were called 10 times for 91 yards on the night while West Virginia was flagged only 5 times for 80 yards.

Big Question #5: Who will see the kicking game change the game the most and help their team to a victory?

The Answer: Both teams did well. Punting the football Kevin Huber had seven punts for 317 yards and an average of 45.3 yards with 2 inside the twenty. Pat McAfee punted nine times for 412 yards with an average of 45.8 yards with one inside the twenty. In the field goal category Jake Rogers went 2-3 missing a 29 yard field goal off the goal post. McAfee went 2-2 hitting the 52-yard kick to tie the game and then his try in overtime that gave West Virginia a short lived advantage.

There you have the Five Biggest Questions answered for another week. Make sure you check out this article for the Louisville game later in the week.