Tom Groeschen

tgroeschen@enquirer.com

The Cincinnati Bearcats could fall to a 2-3 season record when they visit the favored Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, and questions already are starting about whether UC will become bowl-eligible.

The injury situation is growing worrisome, with quarterback Gunner Kiel (bruised ribs) among the ailing Bearcats and several key players out for the year, including running back Tion Green and right tackle Cory Keebler.

UC was the preseason media pick to win the American Athletic Conference football title, but last week's 41-14 home loss to Memphis does not exactly inspire confidence. Yet, a look at the remaining schedule shows the Bearcats should have a solid chance of finishing above the .500 mark.

The trip to Miami will be the Bearcats' last non-league game this year. A glance at the remaining schedule:

Saturday at Miami, Florida (3-3): The Hurricanes are not the fearsome Miami of old, with a true freshman quarterback (Brad Kaaya) and a porous run defense. Running back Duke Johnson is one of Miami's best ever. FORECAST: Miami is favored by 16 ½ points, up from 14 ½ earlier this week.

Oct. 18 at SMU (0-5, 0-1 AAC): Coach June Jones unexpectedly resigned after just two games, and the Mustangs are an absolute mess. SMU has been outscored 247-36 on the year. FORECAST: UC will be a heavy favorite.

Oct. 24 vs. USF (2-3, 1-0 AAC): The Bulls are better than last year's 2-10 club, which upset UC for one of its wins. USF is not a league title contender, but coach Tommy Tuberville will have UC on high alert after last year. FORECAST: UC should be favored at home.

Oct. 31 at Tulane (1-4, 0-1 AAC): League newcomer Tulane has long been a non-factor on the national scene. What possibly could go wrong, on a Halloween Friday night in haunted New Orleans? FORECAST: UC should be favored in a potential "trap" game.

Nov. 13 vs. East Carolina (4-1, 1-0 AAC): QB Shane Carden and the Pirates are No. 19 in the AP poll. ECU upset then-No. 17 Virginia Tech and then-No. 25 North Carolina in consecutive weeks. Very good club here. FORECAST: UC shapes up as the underdog in a Thursday night game at Paul Brown Stadium.

Nov. 22 at Connecticut (1-4, 0-2 AAC): Former UC defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has a major rebuild on his hands, in his first year at Uconn. The Huskies lost 36-10 in their last game to Temple. At home. FORECAST: UC should be a solid favorite.

Nov. 29 at Temple (3-1, 1-0 AAC): Speaking of trap games, here is Trap with a capital T. The Owls have a good young quarterback in P.J. Walker and already have surpassed last year's two wins. FORECAST: Call UC a slight favorite, in what should be a tough one.

Dec. 6 vs. Houston (2-3, 0-1 AAC): The Cougars have been a disappointment, including a loss to Texas San-Antonio. Houston was billed in preseason as one of the AAC elite, but the benching of QB John O'Korn does not bode well. FORECAST: UC should be favored, unless UH gets its act together.

Final tally: UC might go 8-4, based loosely on the forecast above. That would get the Bearcats into a bowl, which would be fabulous considering UC this week stares at a three-game losing streak.

UC at Miami (Fla.)

Saturday at Sun Life Stadium, noon

TV: Fox Sports Ohio (ACC Regional Sports Network)

Records: UC 2-2, Miami 3-3