Cincinnati Bearcats beat UConn Huskies With Late 3 Pointer

Usually I don't write stuff about Bearcats basketball. That's because I'm a one man show and I don't have time. So I will shamelessly ask, if any of you out there are interested in writing about Bearcats or Reds to contact me.

OK, let's get back to the game. Sean "killa" Kilpatrick with a 3-point dagger to beat UConn with 2.5 seconds left.
They took UConn's best punch in the second half, but that didn't keep 'em down. They bounced right back with their own punch. I'll be honest I was a little worried at the end when they kept missing them FT's and UConn kept knocking down 3's.

Anyway, I'm ready for the WV Mountaineers game. Then on to the undefeated 'Cuse to get crushed but the Cats.

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Crosstown Shootout Brawl: Cincinnati Bearcats vs Xavier Musketeers

Look, everyone know this is a big game. So you expect some kind of trash talk and chest thumping but what happened today was just embarrassing, not only for both universities but for Cincinnati itself.

I'm a huge Bearcats fan, but Yancy Gates needs to be suspended for about eight games or have him kicked off the team. He threw about four punches and landed two of them. There is just no way you can excuse that kind of behavior.

And Tu Halloway, he sounds like his feeling got hurt by some words Sean Kilpatrick said. Here is what he said during the post game presser.

During the week, Cincinnati guard Sean Kilpatrick told an interviewer that Holloway - the Atlantic 10's player of the year - wouldn't start for his team. Holloway wanted the last word as the clock ran out.

"I was just saying it's my city right here," Holloway said. "I'm cut from a different cloth. None of them guys on that team is like me, so I don't understand. I felt disrespected for them guys to come at me and talk like that, so I let the whole staff over there and let their players know that none of them is like me.

"That's what you're going to see from Xavier and Cincinnati," Holloway said. "We got disrespected a little bit before the game, guys calling us out. We're a tougher team. We're grown men over here. We've got a whole bunch of gangsters in the locker room - not thugs, but tough guys on the court. And we went out there and zipped them up at the end of the game."

I mean I don't think I could say it any better that how Mick Cronin put it, there are bigger things in life than these guys. If you wanna watch what Mick had to say click here. It's a must watch, it starts about the 3 minute mark.

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Look back: 2011Cincinnati Bearcats

OK, the season is basically over for the Bearcats football team. That means a big goodbye to seniors especially Isaiah Pead and Zach Collaros.

It some ways this was good season that the fans should be happy about. Not only the Bearcats make significant improvements from last season, they finished as co-Big East Champions. Just imagine if Collaros didn't get hurt and we didn't lose that stupid Rutgers team. We would of had another Big East title all to our self and could of have ended up playing Clemson in the Orange Bowl. But as it turns out we get to play a 6-6 Vandy team from the SEC.

I'm not upset that the Bearcats got chosen to play in the Liberty Bowl, but I am a little depressed about the opponent. I have nothing against Vandy, I know they are a decent team they played some close games. But I'd rather see the Bearcats play a BIG 10 team. And I really don't know why I feel that way. Maybe I just have a small grudge against the BIG 10.

Anyway I'm looking forward to next season and new era under Munchie Leguax at QB and hoping he can bring in another Big East Crown.

In the meantime lets enjoy some Butch Jones rumors.

image

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Going back to the motherland

OK boys and girl, I am off the motherland to see some family. Which mean I'll probably come back three shades darker and with some kind of disease. Anyway, I won't have Internet which mean I can't blog and it also means I can't watch my Bengals and Bearcats play some football.
I expect the Bengals to be 8-2 and the Bearcats to be 9-1 when I comeback.

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After Thoughts: Cincinnati Bearcats vs South Florida Bulls 10/22/2011

Image via Bearcats Blog

"I told Zach when there was 1:27 left is great quarterbacks are defined in how they lead their team to victory in the 2 minute drill on the road," Jones said. "He made the plays down the road for us. Our receivers, our line. I can't say enough about our team." 

I had to go out and walk around after that win. I mean my heart couldn't just take it anymore. Second time in two weeks UC rallied from a deficit to win the game.

What's up with UC, USF games, it's always a damn thriller.

I was all ready to rip Collaros a new hole but he redeemed himself in second half with 2 rushing and 2 passing TD's. If Collaros didn't lead UC on that game winning drive with 1:21 left in the game, he was gonna catch some heat for all his stupid shuffle passes. I mean if you can't make a throw, just throw it out.
If I'm not mistaken, Collaros has thrown close to 1000 yards against USF in three game. That's just a ridiculous stat.
I'm not gonna bitch too much because we are 2-0 in Big East play.



This has to an all time top 10 game as far as UC is concerned. I can watch the 4th quarter all over again. It was just that awesome.

So what have we learned from this game? Dominique Battle might be out for a few game, which might be a good things for the Bearcats secondary.
The offense is still the engine that decides if UC wins or not and the defense does just enough not to lose the game.
I am also excited about the receiving corp UC has with McClug, Thompkins and Chisum.



I don't know who to blame for that missed PAT. Fuck it, I'll blame Tony Miliano because he also missed a FG.

I feel UC did more to make this a close game. If Collaros pass wan't  intercepted in the end zone, and Miliano didn't miss the PAT and FG, UC would had a comfortable lead.

Anyway it feels good to be all alone atop in Big East standing and the first team from Big East to be bowl eligible.

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After Thoughts: Louisville Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bearcats 10/15/2011

Isaiah Pead Keg of Nails Hand Stand

The keg of Nails is retained by the Bearcats for another year. UC now is (5-1) with a 1-0 record in the Big East

Ever since the beat down by Tennessee Volunteers the Bearcats defense have played like they need to prove something. In the previous four games the Bearcats are only giving up an average of 11 points per game.
We shall see how much the defense has improved when they visit South Florida next week.

When Collaros and the offense are having a bad day throwing the ball there is always Isaiah Pead to rely on. Pead rushed for 151 yards only on 20 touches. He had a fantastic 50 yard run late in the game to give Cincinnati a 22-16 lead.



Might I say Derek Wolfe might be playing for cash on Sundays real soon? The dude was a beast.

It was a an ugly win but a conference win, which I will take gladly. But Collaros needs to play more consistently for UC to have a chance to win the Big East.

Image via: bearcatsblog.com

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Cincinnati Bearcats vs Miami (OH) Red Hawks Recap 10/1/2011

Nations oldest nonconference rivalry wasn't up to a pretty start if you are a UC fan. But if you are Miami fan, it felt going good going into the half only trailing 6-0. Unfortunately for Miami they still another entire half to play, as UC won 27-0.

For the first five drives nothing happened on offense. I'll summarize it in less than a sentence. It was punt, INT, punt, fumble, punt, then they finally got a TD. Second half was much better as they got two more TD's and fumble return for a score.



The biggest play of the game might have been the goal line stand to open up the second half.
Here is an interesting fact, this was the first time UC has shut out  Miami in Oxford since 1898. That's was a long time ago.

The first half play calling, was either terrible or Miami's defense was that good. I'm choosing to believe it was the play calling. Zach Collars had unusually bad game, as he threw two red-zone INT's and had a fumble.



While the offense struggled for much of the game with turnovers and penalties, it was the defense that stepped it up. As they held Miami to -3 yards on 38 rushes.

The one big concern that I take away from this game is the pressure that Miami's front four was about to put on Collars. If this continues it's gonna be a long season in the Big East.

Looking forward to the UC, Louisville game in two weeks. An extra week should give UC some time to figure out their problems on offense and defense.

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Why Not Boise State To Big East?

I'm hearing all these news about how Navy and Air Force are the top choice for Big East football expansion. When I hear and read that, it makes my blood boil. What the hell can Navy and Air Force offer to a conference that is already weak in football? It's not like they those schools get the best athletes. I'd rather have ECU, SMU, UCF or even Houston as top choices.

But the one rumor I want to hear but I'm not hearing is Boise St. to Big East. If Big East can go out and invite Air Force that plays in the Mountain West Conference why not Boise St.? I don't think the distance should be a challenge because Big East already has accepted TCU, who is ready to move in 2012.

Boise is sure as hell better in football than any of the schools I mentioned above. I know academically, and other sports wise Boise St. is not on par with many Big East schools. But Big East can always do a football only invite and if Boise St. wants more, give it to them. Even with the departure of Pitt and Syracuse, Big East is still a strong basketball conference.

I have a feeling the Big East officials are just gonna sit back and wait, like they have been doing for the past decade when they lost Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech.

What do you think? Leave a comment.

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NC State Wolf pack vs Cincinnati Bearcats Recap 9/21/2011

Nothing like a thursday night college football game, it's the best. Cincinnati came out swinging and didn't ease up until the end of 4th quarter, as the Bearcats beat up NC State 44-14.

This was a big game for UC on many different levels. This game was about getting a win after the beat down by Tennessee, this game was about revenge, and this game was about getting a big win against an out of conference team. NC State is not Austin Peay or Akron, this a good ACC school.

The Bearcats came out and was efficient on offense and defense. It seemed like Z. Collaros was more mobile than he usually is, which is something the fans have been looking forward to.

The defense got it going on with the Drew Frey INT. Good to see Frey make a positive play after him having a nightmare of a game last week against Tennessee.



Cincinnati got on the board with a 2 yard TD run by Pead. Pead had another monster day rushing as he carried 27 times for 167 yards.



Collaros was no slulch either. He was 25 of 34 with 263 yards and 2 TD's, he also rushed 9 times for 52 yards with 2 rushing TD's.



If I wasn't lazy I would add more highlights but it's getting late.

UC came out and played the way they had to play. On a national stage they had to put on a good show.
This might have been the best complete game against a good opponent in the Butch Jones era. NC State had no answers for the high flying Cincinnati offense.
The biggest stat from tonight game has to be Cincinnati +16 turnover margin and scoring off 13 of them.
Sacking the NC State five times was pretty impressive also.

Onto next week to face Miami (OH).

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In Which Conference Will Cincinnati Bearcats Land?

We have all found out by now that Pitt and Syracuse have bolted for the ACC. Which leaves Big East with six football schools and 14 basketball schools. Now rumors has it that UConn also wants leave for the ACC. Which probably means the end of Big East as a BCS conference.

So if UConn does bolt where does that leave schools like Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Rutgers, and South Florida?

Well there are two options, first TCU is coming on board so that takes Big East back to six schools and they can go out and get  Central Florida, Southern Methodist University or even University of Houston.
The second option is to merge with the left over Big 12 schools that is if Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech leaves for Pac 12 and SEC. That would leave Oklahoma St., Missouri, Baylor, Kansas, Texas A&M, Kansas St., and Iowa St.. But Oklahoma St. will follow where Oklahoma goes. Still, the left over schools from Big 12 and Big East merger would create a pretty strong conference both in basketball and football.

The one thing the Big East need to address is the non football schools in the conference. The Best option might be for Big East to split into two conferences. One for all the schools that play Div 1 football and the other for non Div 1 football schools.

This whole Big East drama would not happened if the leadership at Big East reacted first and became more pro-active and dealt with the problems it was facing.

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Akron Zips vs Cincinnati Bearcats Recap 9/17/2011

With three turnovers returned for TD's these were not the same Bearcats defense we saw against the Tennessee Volunteers. Which is good news for Cincinnati and bad news for the Zips.



Again the Bearcats offense was efficient against a weaker and over matched opponent. Collaros went 10 for 16 with 157 yards. Pead was good when he needed to be, but today's game was about the young guys. Poteat, and Teague combined for 16 carries for 84 yards. Cincinnati also used four different QB's.



Anyway, that's enough for the recap. What I want to touch on is UC record aganist out of conference opponents. I'm not talking about beating up on Conference USA teams or MAC teams. I'm talking about teams from the big 6 conferences. In the last few years, UC have lost to Florida, Oklahoma, Tenneesse, Ohio State, Virginia Tech. I know they did beat Oregon State 2009, but that only seems like a small ripple in an ocean of loses.



So next weeks match up against the NC State is a good opportunity for Cincinnati to get it's revenge from last years lose, but also a chance for them to beat a decent out of conference opponent.

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Cincinnati Bearcats vs Tennessee Volunteers Recap 9/10/2011

Today was a big test for the Bearcats as they traveled down to Neyland stadium to face the Tennessee Volunteers, but the Bearcats came back empty handed with a lot of questions to answer as they fell to Tennessee 45 to 23.

The game couldn't have started better for UC as they scored a TD only in three plays. As Pead took a third down play and ran 65 yards into the end zone.



But it didn't take long for Tennessee to answer UC's TD. It only took Vols 7 plays 58 yards to equalize UC.

On the following kickoff Tennessee went with a onside kick and caught UC off guard to regain the ball. This time it only took Tennessee 5 plays for 59 yards for Tennessee to score their second TD.

But for the second consecutive UC possession, they scored their second TD. UC drove 5 plays for 60 yards for a TD. When Z. Collaros connected with Adrien Robinson for a 13 yard hook up to even up the score.



For the next four possession UC went for punt, turnover on downs, punt, and turnover on downs., momentum stayed on the Tennessee side as they seem to easily move the ball on UC defense, especially through the air. UC's secondary seemed to have no answer for Tyler Bray and the Tennessee WR's.

It was good first half for the offense as Collaros went for 12/19 with 101 yards and 1 TD. Pead also had great first half as he rumbled for 135 yards on 10 carries. For all the good on the offensive side, things seemed to look bad on the defensive side as Bray went for 281 yards on 21 of 27 passes.

The second half was not much different than the first half as Tennessee dominated offense, defense, special teams. The Volunteers added two more touchdowns and a field goal.

If it's any consolation, UC did force a fumble towards the end of the game and scored off the turnover.



But the biggest factors in the game might have been the two failed short yardage conversions on fourth down and the failed attempt at a touchdown on 1st and goal in the third quarter.

But it was very evident in the game, UC's secondary could not handle Tennessee passing game. It's the same problem that plagued UC last year. Up next for the Bearcats is a date with the Akron Zips.

Stats: ESPN

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Hey Brian Kelly. U Mad Bro?

You left UC for ND. What did you expect? Ever year before the season starts everyone thinks ND will run the table, but ends up being below .500.
The glory days of ND  is over, just get real about it. Time to join Big East.

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University of Cincinnati Vs Austin Peay 9/3/2011

Guest Post by Justin. 
Follow him at Natifan80

BearcatNation Domination.
It was a very very hot day in Cincinnati. Over a 100 degrees on the field at game time, but that didn't stop the Bearcats from putting the hurt on FCS school Austin Peay. The game started out with a bang on the opening kickoff where true freshman Ralph David Abernathy took it 60 yards to the Austin Peay 40 yard line. The very next play from scrimmage Isaiah Pead took the zone read action hand off in for a 40 yard run.
Cincinnati followed up that drive with some stout defense of there own. JK Schaffer picked off a deflected Jake Ryan pass to about midfield.



A clutch 4th down throw from Collaros to Sophomore wideout Anthony Mcclung and a big dose of running the ball setup a 14 yard scamper for the Senior halfback Pead.
Pead only played half way through the 2nd quarter and finished up with 87 yards and 2 TD's.
That didn't stop Zach Collaros from joining the scoring party. Zach threw 4 tds in the first half.
The first was a bullet to the new #1 Kembrell Thompkins for 15 yards.


The next was a 40 yard perfect strike on 3rd and 13 to fellow senior Dj Woods. After Luallen subbed in for Collaros and  marched the Bearcats down to the 10 yard line, Zach came in and threw a perfect corner endzone throw to Mcclung. On the insuing kickoff, Witty stripped the ball and recovered it himself with only 27 seconds left in the half. That proved to be plenty of time for Collaros and Mcclung to hook up for the 3rd time on a 30 yard uncontested pass.

The 2nd half showed that the Bearcats had depth. Something that they didn't have last season. True freshmen Jameel Poteat, Ralph Abernathy, and Mr. Ohio Akise Teague showed that they are a force to be reckoned with. Poteat has the ability to come in right away and contribute. Teague scored a late touchdown and of course Abernathy looked great on the lone return.


Some other bright spots include the backup QB play by sophomore Munchie Legaux. He showed a great arm and great speed. Legaux fits perfectly into Butch Jones' option system. His first play from scrimmage after yet another Governors turnover was a 25 yard pass to yet another very talented freshmanu receiver Alex Chism. 3 plays later Munchie optioned left for a 10 yard rushing TD.
JK Schaffer said the were looking for a shutout on defense. The Bearcats didn't get that but definitely didn't disappoint either. The defense held Austin Peay to just 10 points. And thanks to that defense and special teams, the Bearcats took the ball away 6 times. That's a great sign seeing turnovers were a huge thorn in their sides in the 2010 season.
It was great to see the Bearcats dominate again. Even though it was an FCS school where they don't have one player on scholarship. To play your first team for just one half and still score 72 points is pretty impressive. Bring on the Vols. Cincinnati will take on the Tennessee Volunteers at 3:30 on ESPN 2

Guest Post by Justin. Follow him at Natifan80

Stats: SI

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Cincinnati Bearcats:Top Football Players To Watch In 2011

Thankfully the 2011 Bearcats football season is almost upon us.
Last season, the Bearcats missed a bowl game for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
So now its time to build the hype and get back to winning the Big East title again.

Here are some of the top players we should be keeping our eyes on for the 2011 season. 

Alex Hoffman, Offensive Tackle:

Alex along with Randy Martinez are only the two starters coming back to the Offensive line.

If the Bearcats are to have a strong season it will be up to Alex and rest of the O-Line to keep Zach Collaros safe in the pocket.

J.K. Schaffer, Linebacker:
Even though as a whole the Bearcats defense was bad last year, one player played above avergae.
Schaffer recorded 111 tackles. 9.5 for a loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. With all the starters returning this year, he should have another monster season.

Anthony McClung, WR:
In his second season as a Bearcats, the pressure will be on the WR. As a freshman, McClung had 22 receptions for 217 yards and returned 11 kickoffs for 198 yards to record 421 all-purpose yards.Taking the spot left by departed Armon Binns will be a challenge. But looking at his freshman production, it is safe to assume he will have no problem stepping up to the challenge.

D.J. Woods, WR:
D.J. Woods has had a productive career at Cincinnati. Woods averaged 15.8 yards per catch last season, reeling in 57 receptions for 898 yards and eight touchdowns. Woods also rushed 11 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Returning 32 kicks, Woods garnered 728 yards. With the departure of Binns, it is time for Woods to step up to the #1 WR spot.

Isaiah Pead, RB:
Isaiah Pead is one of the best RB's in the nation and he is the X factor for this Bearcats team. Even thought the Bearcats are not known as a rushing team, Pead has been consistent through out his career in Cincinnati. In the past three seasons he has averaged over 6 yards per carry. He averaged 6.6 yards per carry last year, the best in the Big East. I'm sure more oppositions will be hearing the chant "you got Pead on".

Zach Collaros, QB:
Collaros had 2,902 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, earning 2010 All-Conference honors. But for Collaros and the rest of the Bearcats that only lead to 4 wins. This year, in his second season as a full time starter, more pressure will be on him to take the Bearcats back to the top of the Big East.

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Who Is Ready For Some UC Bearcats Football

I know I am, forget about all this NFL lockout stuff, just give me some UC football and I'll be happy.
After two straight BCS Bowl appearances, the Bearcats fell to a 4-8 record under first year coach Butch Jones. Even though Butch was in his first year, I still had high hopes for 2010 because of UC's offense. But key injuries and a young and inexperienced defense did the Bearcats in.
For 2011, the Bearcats have landed a pretty good recruiting class. And the best of the bunch might be Mr. Ohio Football Akise Teague.
The 2011 season should fair much better than last season. One reason that is because UC returns all 11 starters on defense.
The 2011 schedule won't be any easier but I'm confident that the Bearcats can battle for the Big East title.
What do you guys think? Where will the Bearcats finish in 2011?
  

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UC Bearcats Fall To UConn Huskies

This was a tough one to swallow after UC fell to UConn 69-58.
Part of me thought the Bearcats were overachieving just getting to the NCAA tournament, then after the first win against Missouri I was ecstatic. Then I thought the Bearcats can get the job done against the Huskies. But I guess it was not meant to be.
So I kept thinking what was the reason UC fell to UConn? Was it the refs that seemed to fair UConn in the first half? Was there more talent of the UConn side? Was it Gates not playing up to his standards? Was it Ibrahima Thomas getting into foul trouble? Or was it Cashmere Wright getting injured? Or could all of those factors combined? Either way, in way I'm going to point fingers at anything or anyone.
But when UC had the lead in the second half, I thought they could pull off this upset, only to be let down by missed opportunities and fatigue.
This was a dream season for the Bearcats and nothing can be taken away from that.
I hope there is more to come from the Bearcats and Mick Cronin.
I gotta give credit where credit is due. Kemba Walker was the real deal with his 33 point performance. With the game tied at 45 with about 10 minutes left, the best player in America basically took over the game and put UConn on his back.
But I have a feeling these boys will be back next year.

Cincinnati.com

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Bearcats disposing Of Missouri And Move On To Face UConn

Going to the tournament since 2005 felt pretty damn good.
And 40 minutes of hell turned out to be 40 minutes of in your face, dunk on you, and doing what ever I want in the paint.
UC's big men came to play last night. Instead of running up and down for 40 minutes, UC implemented their game plan on Missouri. And just beat them down in the paint.
But I'll say this the first 10 minutes of the game, I was starting to get a little nervous.
But the Bearcats maintained their composure every time Mizzou made a run. They behaved like a well-coached team tonight. And for that I gotta give credit to Mick and his players.



Now the Bearcats will get to face an familiar foes in Connecticut, which beat UC 67-59 on Feb.
It won't be an easy task, but I say have no fear.
I'll admit I picked UConn over UC in my tournament bracket and if UC does win it will fuck my bracket up. But in the worlds of the late great 2pac "I ain't mad at cha".

PS. How old is Darnell Wilks? The dude got a bold spot going on.

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3rd Annual Cougar Madness 2011

This might be good as the NCAA tournaments.
Click on the picture to enlarge it.

thundertreats.com

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The Creepiest Sports Fan Ever

And the hits just keep on coming from India. Damn, look at the close up of his mustache, it was like it was trying to say something. We need this guy at ever UC Bearcats home game. Just set this dude up behind the backboard and just scare the shit out of opposing free throw shooters.

PS: Suck it, I know this is from Bangladesh and not from India. But I don't give a shit, they look and dress like Indians so I'm gonna call them Indians.

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