Know Your Foe, Cincinnati Bearcats take on Miami RedHawks in FINAL Victory Bell Game

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Jed Demusey joins the Chatterbox Bearcats crew in this "get to know the opposition series" and help break down Cincinnati's matchup with the Miami RedHawks.

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#Cincinnati vs. Miami (Ohio) Football Preview: Battle for the Victory Bell

Cincinnati and Miami University will renew one of college football’s oldest rivalries Saturday when the Battle for the Victory Bell moves to TQL Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+, with the Bearcats attempting to remain unbeaten before Big 12 play begins.

Cincinnati enters the matchup 2-0 after opening the season with a 34-15 win over Boston College and overwhelming Western Carolina 62-10. The Bearcats produced 690 total yards against the Catamounts, including 418 on the ground—the program’s highest rushing total since 1970.

That performance showed the depth and explosiveness of Scott Satterfield’s backfield. Gi’Bran Payne rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns, while six Bearcats scored on the ground. Cincinnati finished with seven rushing touchdowns and averaged 8.5 yards per carry.

Quarterback JC French IV has also delivered a strong start after transferring from Georgia Southern. Through two games, French has thrown for 322 yards and three touchdowns while adding 104 rushing yards and three more scores. He completed 21 of 24 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns against Western Carolina, including 13 consecutive completions at one point.

French’s dual-threat ability will challenge a Miami defense that has built a reputation for consistency under longtime coach Chuck Martin. The RedHawks have finished among the nation’s top 41 scoring defenses in five consecutive seasons. Their experienced linebacker group is led by Malcolm McCain, South Alabama transfer Blayne Myrick and former Kent State standout CJ Young.

Miami enters at 1-1 after two dramatically different performances. The RedHawks were routed 59-14 at Pittsburgh in their opener but responded with a dominant 45-7 victory over Holy Cross. Redshirt freshman quarterback David McComb was perfect in his second career start, completing all 13 attempts for 234 yards and three touchdowns before sitting out the second half.

McComb has thrown for 475 yards and four touchdowns without an interception through his first 46 attempts. Cincinnati’s defense must pressure him without allowing explosive plays, particularly against a Miami offensive line that features four returning starters and Northern Illinois transfer Evan Malcore.

The Bearcats’ run defense will also be tested by Rodney Nelson, who transferred to Miami after rushing for 1,802 yards and 18 touchdowns at Monmouth last season. Cincinnati linebacker Jonathan Thompson has led the defense through two games with 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

The biggest matchup may come at the line of scrimmage. Cincinnati rushed for 254 yards against Boston College before its historic performance against Western Carolina. Payne has surpassed 100 yards in both games, and the Bearcats’ collection of backs gives Satterfield several options. Miami must prevent Cincinnati from controlling the game on early downs and creating manageable situations for French.

For Cincinnati, discipline remains an area to clean up. The Bearcats committed 11 penalties for 105 yards against Western Carolina. Those mistakes did not matter in a 52-point win, but they could help a confident underdog remain within striking distance.

Saturday will mark the 129th meeting between the programs. Cincinnati holds a razor-thin 61-60-7 advantage in a series that began with a scoreless tie in 1888—the first college football game played in Ohio. Miami recently ended Cincinnati’s 16-game winning streak in the rivalry, but the Bearcats reclaimed the Bell with a 27-16 victory in Oxford in their most recent meeting.

The setting adds another wrinkle. Instead of Nippert Stadium or Yager Stadium, the rivals will meet downtown at TQL Stadium, creating a different atmosphere for a series built on familiarity.

Miami’s best path to an upset is to limit Cincinnati’s possessions, protect the football and turn McComb’s efficient performance into sustained drives that keep the Bearcats’ offense watching.

Cincinnati should enter as the more talented and explosive team, but rivalry games rarely feel routine. If the Bearcats establish their running game, avoid penalties and force McComb into obvious passing situations, they should retain the Victory Bell and carry a 3-0 record into conference play.