08-21-2015, 11:36 AM
(08-13-2015, 04:55 PM)OkamiW Wrote: So, I've been a NFL fan for as long as I can remember, but I've never dabbled much into the college football scene. I don't really understand the SEC, Big-12, etc, and I would very much like to (not to sound like a noob but yeah xD ). Any college teams that remind you of the Bengals in terms of play style/culture?
You have asked an extremely difficult question, which is why it has taken so long for anyone to answer. I'd like some clarification before giving my answer.
What do you mean by "play style"? Do you want the air-it-out offensive style of the Palmer days? The ball-hawking defense of '05? The stifling defense of '09? The more recent West Coast trend Hue is aiming for? Or just a pro-style offense in general? The Bengals have been pretty schizophrenic in their identity over the past ten years.
"Culture" can be interpreted in numerous ways, as well. Do you mean a Midwestern identity? An argument could even be made that Cincinnati is the northernmost tip of the South. Do you want a small-market college team to root for, or one that consistently makes it to bowl games? "Snake-bitten" or "One-and-done" could accurately describe the Bengals' franchise, but I can't imagine wanting to double down on either of those.
There are over 120 FBS teams, and each brings something different to the table. Ohio alone has 8 to choose from (2 of which are in Cincinnati), and Kentucky has 2. Even if you just like having a tiger as a mascot, you're left to choose between Mizzou, Auburn, Memphis, LSU, and Clemson. Most Ohioans tend to cheer on the Buckeyes as their primary team, and then a MAC team or UC to support on the side.
