ESPN College GameDay predicts Oklahoma will send a 'Welcome to the Big 12' statement with win vs. Cincinnati

The ESPN College GameDay Crew certainly isn’t very optimistic for a Cincinnati upset over Oklahoma and explained why they like the Sooners on Saturday morning.

For the Bearcats, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit says it has to be about using the run game with dual-threat quarterback Emory Jones to set up some splashy passing plays.

“If Cincinnati’s going to hang around, it’s going to be QB run, set up some opportunities to maybe get some one-on-one chances and make some big plays, ” says Herbstreit. “OU’s playing very good.”

Desmond Howard butted in to comment on the Sooners’ quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, who is playing some phenomenal football to start the season.

“The biggest problem with Dillon Gabriel was he was hurt last year. When he was available, he was always sharp. He was a great passer, a great quarterback. Now, you look at their offense, they’re converting 66% of their third downs. That’s incredible. No. 1 in the FBS. And don’t forget about the points (55 per game so far).”

After some up and down results, Howard’s just not sure what to think of Cincinnati heading into this game, and for that reason, he likes OU.

“Cincinnati, who are you as a team? They go out and they beat Pitt, then they lose to Miami (OH). I know Scott Satterfield’s like ‘What’s the personality of my team?’ It’s gonna be a great test for Cincinnati. But I think this one’s going to be over, Pat, by the third quarter. Too much firepower for the Sooners.”

Pat McAfee responded with his own breakdown of the game, noting that there’s been an overhaul at Cincinnati while Oklahoma is finding a groove in year two of their new coaching staff and year two under a terrific QB in Gabriel.

“Dillon Gabriel has been absolutely surgical,” noted McAfee. “I mean, just, 83% completions, No. 1 in the country by a pretty wide margin.”

Meanwhile, the Cincy QB isn’t quite as established but has showed off some impressive legs.

“But if you think about Cincinnati going into the Big 12. They had Desmond Ridder for what, 14 years? And Coach Fickell was there obviously. This is a different team trying to find their way. You’re going to have some ups and downs. The only thing that’s been consistent for them, with Emory Jones, they’re rushing for like 230 a game right now, which is eighth in the country.”

But Pat McAfee is skeptical Jones and the Cincy ground game can maintain that production against a foe like Oklahoma. For that reason, he’s with Howard and taking OU in this one.

“Will they be able to do that against Venables’ front seven? I’m not 100% sure. I think this is going to be a Welcome To The Big 12 from the Boomer Sooner community.”

There you have it. Per ESPN’s College GameDay crew, Oklahoma will cruise past Cincinnati in the teams’ Big 12 opener.