UC's new football schedule is out which naturally means all of us are expert prognosticators.

Not so fast.

I want to meet the fan that correctly predicated UC would go 12-0 this season.  Even the most optimistic fan couldn't see that coming.  Sure, there will be someone sitting around a tailgate this fall saying they predicted it.  If so, it's further proof that beer makes people lie.

On the other hand, we all like to run things down in our fantasy little minds when schedules come out.  So, even though there's nearly seven months before the first midfield coin flip, I'll give it a go.

(Disclaimer:  everyone that knows me knows that I want UC to win'em all, so don't point your finger at me should I pick the Bearcats to lose one.)

2010 SCHEDULE

Sat., Sept. 4 @ Fresno State: Tough one for Butch Jones to start with.  If the defense has improved,

We’ll know it here.  Bulldogs couldn't stop UC offense.  I believe the offense will be better.  W

Sat., Sept. 11 Indiana State: You've got to have one of these games, right?  W

Thurs., Sept. 16 @ NC State: 7:30 PM  ESPN I don't like this game.  NC State should be improved and they're on home turf.  This team beat Pitt last year and knocked off #23 North Carolina. Just don't have a good feeling about this one.  L

Sat., Sept. 25  Oklahoma (Paul Brown Stadium) Another team  (like Florida) with deeper talent than the Bearcats.  The #1s are equal, but the back-ups could probably be #1s elsewhere.  Should UC pull out of this part of the schedule 4-0, expect good things.   However. I think the Sooners will be too much. L

Sat., Oct. 2  BYE

Sat., Oct. 9  Miami (OH)  Unfortunately for Miami, I have UC 2-2 at this point.  They'll probably have to pay in a big way at Nippert.  UC will have extra preparation time and it should be evident in the game.  W

Fri., Oct. 15 @ Louisville 8:00 PM ESPN This is a chance to UC to show Charlie Strong (ex-Florida DC) how the offense REALLY works.   Louisville might be better, but don't think they'll be good enough yet.  W

Fri., Oct. 22  USF 8:00 PM ESPN2 I hate Friday home games messing with the high school

schedules because you're missing out on potential fans and players.   Hopefully, the momentum of success keeps these games sold-out.   Also, South Florida's never won here and if the temperature dips below 40, the athletic Bulls can't handle it.  W

Sat., Oct. 30  Syracuse Their coaching is better, but UC's got them at home now.  This should be another win over the Orange for Zach Collaros.  W

Sat., Nov. 6  BYE

Sat., Nov. 13  @ West Virginia This game should really tell you if this Bearcat team has a chance to get another BCS bowl.  WVU is extremely tough to beat three times in a row.  They're still fast and talented with die-hard fans.  I could go either way here, but I think Butch Jones draws on his WVU experience to get his troops ready.  W

Sat., Nov. 20  Rutgers Rutgers really improved after UC blew them out in last season's opener.

I don't think the 'Cats will blow them out again, but I do believe they'll win at Nippert.  W

Sat., Nov. 27 @ Connecticut Another game I don't feel good about.  UConn made a frantic comeback last season here and they've beaten the Bearcats twice at Rentschler Field.  This should be another tough test of the Bearcats “D”.  L

Sat., Dec. 4  Pittsburgh TBD ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 Looks like the schedule folks have rolled the dice on the Big East coming down to UC and Pitt again.  Bearcats have won the last two late season meetings and I believe they'll rise up here.  W

In the end, that puts them at 9-3, maybe 8-4.  Not exactly what they've had the last two seasons, but far from a disappointment.  That would put them in a decent bowl game and if the cards fall the right way, perhaps back in the BCS scene.

The good thing is, it doesn't matter what I think.  I don't imagine anyone figured the '08-'09 team would improve upon the Orange Bowl and they did.  Most will also predict that a 12-0 mark and Sugar Bowl appearance can't be duplicated either.

What matters here more than anything is here in the second week of February; people are talking about UC football and already analyzing their season.

How do you think the season will go? SOUND OFF ON OUR FOOTBALL MESSAGE BOARD