2008 record: 11-3, 6-1 (1st in Big East)
2008 bowl: Lost to Virginia Tech 20-7 in Orange
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 17/17
Coach: Brian Kelly (22-6, 3rd year; 41-22 overall, 5 years)
Offensive coordinator: Jeff Quinn (3rd year)
Defensive coordinator: Bob Diaco (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 8
Returning defensive starters: 1
Location: Cincinnati
Stadium: Nippert Stadium (FieldTurf; 35,000)
Last league title: 2008
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Cincinnati was a major surprise in 2008, but now the bar has been raised. And with an experienced quarterback in senior Tony Pike, the Bearcats could be up for that task. Pike, a potential All-Big East selection, took over when Dustin Grutza was hurt in the second week. He proceeded to make the job his own, passing for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns. The continued presence of senior wide receiver Mardy Gilyard will help. Gilyard is one of the nation’s top deep threats and he’ll look for support from junior-college transfer Jamar Howard. The backfield is in flux, but sophomore Isaiah Pead, who averaged 6.5 yards in spot action, could be a secret weapon. Three starters return to the offensive line.

Defensive: Major question marks for this unit. Ten starters were lost. There’s a new coordinator, Bob Diaco, who will use an occasional 3-4 look. Only senior free safety Aaron Webster has returned, but several players are ready to become more prominent performers, including sophomore defensive tackle Derek Wolfe, sophomore linebacker J.K. Shaffer and sophomore strong safety Drew Frey.

Specialists: How many times does a punter become the team’s most valuable player? You could say that last season about two-time All-American Kevin Huber, who constantly provided the Bearcats with a field-position edge. Next up is freshman Patrick O’Donnell or perhaps junior Jake Rogers, the team’s place-kicker who needs more consistency. Gilyard is an exceptional kickoff returner.

Coaching: Brian Kelly has become one of the hottest names in college coaching. For the moment at least, he’s staying put at Cincinnati, trying to build something special. He’s already off to a sensational start, having led the Bearcats to the Orange Bowl, once an unfathomable accomplishment for Cincinnati’s program.

Heisman Hopefuls: Gilyard is a dynamic playmaker, but hardly someone on the preseason Heisman Watch lists.

Game of the year Nov. 13 vs. West Virginia The Bearcats won last season’s meeting 26-23 in OT. This year’s matchup could be equally significant, maybe the tipping point in what’s expected to be an anything-goes race for the Big East title.

Overview: The Bearcats won’t sneak up on anyone — maybe ever again. This season’s version is far from perfect. Retooling the defense is the priority. But Cincinnati is well-equipped to repeat as Big East Conference champions, particularly in a year where there is no clear-cut favorite.

Next up: No. 18 Michigan State

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