CINCINNATI — Cincinnati entered its last game against Arizona with one of the most productive rushing attacks in college football. By the time the Bearcats left Tucson, they had managed just 74 yards on the ground, scored seven points, and suffered their first loss of the season.

Now, coming off a bye week, Cincinnati's offensive line has an opportunity to get things back on track Saturday against West Virginia. But simply opening holes for the running backs won't be enough. The Bearcats also need to give quarterback JC French IV time to throw the football.

The Arizona game showed us exactly what happens when neither is working.

Cincinnati averaged just 2.6 yards per rushing attempt in the 34-7 loss, a far cry from the physical ground game that had helped the Bearcats win their first four games. French completed 16 of 29 passes for 153 yards, was sacked three times, and never found the end zone through the air.

The Wildcats had little reason to back off their aggressive approach as Cincinnati struggled to establish any kind of consistent offensive rhythm. The result was an offense that managed just 227 total yards and didn't score until garbage time.

French understands that the Bearcats need another way to move the football when opponents concentrate on stopping the run. During Tuesday's media availability, he acknowledged that Cincinnati has leaned too heavily on its rushing attack and needs to open up the passing game when defenses take away its greatest strength.

But opening up the offense also means giving French enough time to make those throws.

If opponents continue loading the box and bringing pressure, Cincinnati's linemen will have to recognize those looks, communicate their assignments, and provide a clean pocket. Otherwise, the Bearcats risk finding themselves in the same situation they faced against Arizona, unable to move the ball consistently on the ground or through the air.

The offensive line has had two weeks to address those concerns, and senior lineman Xavier Lozowicki believes the group benefited from the additional preparation.

Speaking Tuesday, Lozowicki acknowledged that the offensive line had taken responsibility for its performance and used the bye week to grow closer as a unit. He also pointed to the running game as an area where the additional practice time provided an opportunity to improve.

Head coach Scott Satterfield wasn't particularly pleased with the performance against Arizona, either. He acknowledged that the coaching staff and players both needed to do a better job, especially when executing in a difficult road environment.

Saturday's opponent provides a chance to see if the work has paid off.

West Virginia surrendered 52 points and 482 yards in last weekend's loss to Arizona, including 341 through the air. The Mountaineers have struggled defensively, and Cincinnati should have opportunities to attack a unit that has had difficulty containing opposing offenses.

Of course, those opportunities won't amount to much if French is spending the afternoon avoiding defenders or the Bearcats are repeatedly facing third-and-long situations.

Cincinnati must be physical enough up front to establish its rushing attack while providing the protection necessary to make opposing defenses respect the pass. If the line can accomplish that, the Bearcats should have opportunities to exploit a West Virginia defense that has struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone, or at the very minimum, set up UC in manageable third-down situations.

The Bearcats have already demonstrated they can run the football against quality competition. What they haven't consistently shown is the ability to punish opponents who commit extra defenders to stopping it.

French wants to open up the offense, and Saturday would be a good time to start. But for that to happen, Cincinnati's offensive line needs to make sure he has the opportunity.