Game 1: Cincinnati vs. TCU - TALE OF THE TAPE

Quarterbacks
TCU: Though senior Sean Stilley is starting, redshirt freshman Tye Gunn is expected to get a few snaps under center.

Cincinnati: Position is solidified by sophomore Gino Guidugli, who threw for 2,573 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2001.

Edge: Even

Running Backs
TCU: No matter who starts, a three-headed monster of juniors Ricky Madison, Corey Connally and Kenny Hayter will be playing in different sets.

Cincinnati: Senior DeMarco McClesky has been steady for the Bearcats but the depth is suspect at running back. Juniors Tedric Harwell and David Harris rushed for a combined 38 yards last season.

Edge: TCU

Receivers/Tight Ends
TCU: A talented duo of seniors Adrian Madise and LaTarence Dunbar lead this group. If used effectively, they could put up big numbers in the game.

Cincinnati: The Bearcats aren’t shy about throwing the ball, and have a quartet of quality receivers, led by all-conference senior LaDaris Vann.

Edge: Even

Offensive Line:
TCU: The Frogs depth chart has sophomores Anthony Alabi and Chase Johnson starting at left tackle and center respectively. An experienced group of veterans are in the mix, led by a now healthy Jamal Powell.

Cincinnati: Seniors Kirt Doolin and Josh Garnder and junior Josh Shenyderov return as starters from last seasons team.

Edge: TCU

Defensive Line:
TCU: Junior Chad Pugh and sophomore Brandon Johnson are expected to be ready to go. It will be the first game for junior Bo Schobel in a year, as he is returning from a torn ACL

Cincinnati: Senior Antawn Peek is the leader of this group, and Frog coaches feel he will be moved around and let loose to make plays.

Edge: Cincinnati

Linebackers:
TCU: Junior Josh Goolsby is still out, leaving junior Devon Davis and sophomore Martin Patterson as the only real experienced players to team with senior LaMarcus McDonald.

Cincinnati: An influx of new players will join senior Willis Edwards, who was second on the team in sacks (5)and tackles for loss (16).

Edge: TCU

Secondary:
TCU: The amount of time Dunbar will spend on the defensive side of the ball has still not been determined. A safety must pick up the dangerous Vann, who lines up in the slot.

Cincinnati: Three of four starters return, and will be asked to come defend the run and stop Madise and Dunbar.

Edge: TCU

Special Teams:
TCU: Experience is deep at these positions, as junior Nick Browne and senior Joey Biasatti are back at kicker and punter respectively. Dunbar is back to handle the return duties.

Cincinnati: Kicker is bolstered by All-American Jonathan Ruffin. A question mark hangs over the punting position, after the graduation of all-conference selection Adam Wulfeck.

Edge: Even

Bottom Line:
This game has importance to both teams, and it will more than likely come down to who plays smart, mistake-free football.

Prediction: TCU 24, Cincinnati 20

The Game’s Key Matchup
Antwan Peek, defensive end vs. Jamal Powell, offensive tackle
The man the Frogs call “cheese” will have his first big test since moving from center. Peek is standout of the defense, who finished fourth in the nation in sacks (12.5).

Powell acknowledged that Peek is a very good player. To make the transition to tackle a little more smooth, Powell has been working with Adrian Madise and John Turntine after practice. Madise and Turntine will run at Powell, allowing him to get used to the speed of a defensive end. Monday should tell how far comfortable Powell is there.