Austin Peay visits Bearcats to open 2011

College football is back and the Bearcats open the 2011 season looking to earn their 3rd Big East title in four years. The Austin Peay Governors visit Nippert Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7 p.m. on FSN OH and 102.7 WEBN. This is the 124th season of UC Bearcats football. The 'Cats coming off a season to forget with a 4-8 record. The Governors finished a dismal 2-9 in D1-AA.

The Bearcats return the Big East top passer in Zach Collaros, rusher Isiah Pead, tackler J.K. Schaffer and leader in all-purpose yards and receptions D.J. Woods along with 51 letterwinners from 2010.

Collaros threw for 2,902 yards and 26 touchdowns earning First-Team All-Big East honors at QB.

Pead rushed for 1.029 yards and six touchdowns which earned him Second-Team All-Big East.

Schaffer placed second in the Big East and first on the team last season in tackles with 111 and snagging All-Big East Second-Team honors. He will be looking for his third straight 100 tackle season.

DJ Woods the leading receiver and return man for the 'Cats returns after leading the league in all-purpose yards, averaging 154.9 per game and taking Second-Team All-Big East honors at wide receiver.

On the defensive side of the football joining J.K. Schaffer the Bearcats return 11 starters from last season. Transfer from Maryland, Ben Pooler has earned the third starting linebacker spot. Lineman, Brandon Mills led the team in 2010 with 12.5 tackles for a loss and 6.0 sacks. Walter Stewart will join Dan Giordano on the edge as a DE this year to give the Bearcats more of a presence on the edges. Derek Wolfe leads the defense with 25 career starts.

RS Freshman, Tony Milliano will handle the field goal duties for the Bearcats against Austin Peay earning the job in camp and will have senior transfer, Shane Popham and true freshman, AJ Fleak behind him.

TRUE FRESHMAN TO SEE THE FIELD:
Butch Jones has made it a point that 7-8 true freshman will see the field against Austin Peay. Here is the BNFB list of who you can expect to see on Saturday. Jameel Poteat and Akise Teague will see the field at the running back position while at wide receiver expect to see Alex Chisum and Shaq Washington and include RS freshman Dyjuan Lewis to that list.

On the defensive side of the football for the Bearcats, Dwight Jackson and Nick Temple could see time at linebacker along with Clemente Casseus.

Prediction:
BEARCATS-58 Governors-6

The Bearcats should have this game over at halftime with big stats from Zach Collaros (275 yds, 3 Td), Isiah Pead (150 yds 2 Td) and DJ Woods (100 yds 1 Td) and look to see Kenbrell Thompkins (50 yds) and Anthony McClung (75 yds 1 Td) have good games.

On defense, the Bearcats should create at least four turnovers from Austin Peay. Expect to see sophomore Deven Drane come away with a pick and also a big game from transfer Malcolm Murray and Dominique Battle.

How can Austin Peay stay in the game? Give the ball to Ryan White. The senior running back is the best player the Governors have earning pre-season All-Ohio Valley honors. Behind an o-line that averages 315 pounds, White could have a big game if he gets some blocks.

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