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.

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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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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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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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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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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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Nick Lachey Write An Anthem For The Big East

Nick Lachey is a big sports fan…. so he’s written an anthem for the Big East Conference to debut Saturday during the Big East basketball tournament finals at Madison Square Garden. His song “Last One Standing” was written specifically for the Big East. cincinnati.com

Say it ain't so Nick. Let me say this, out of all the three boy bands from back in the day 98° was my favorite. And that song "I Do Cherish You" was nice, had that shit on for my wedding.
After listening to the song, it sounds like every other sports anthem out there. It's fucking gay. But oh well fuck it's better than nothing. And a Cincy boy is doing it, so it's all good.

Last One Standing by Nick Lachey

PS: What the fuck is this video? Not only is this shit ghetto, its retarded. Bro, let that fat ugly bitch go. You can do better.

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UC vs. Miami Tilt-Shift

Touchdown Tilt-Shift (UC vs. Miami 10/9/10) from Sam Pennybacker on Vimeo.


Love this stuff. Wishing I had some skills to do this.

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Recap Pittsburgh Panthers vs Cincinnati Bearcats

So the 2010 football season has come to an end for the Bearcats. Just like the way the season started is how the season ended, with a lose.

But look on the bright side at least our mascot didn't go down without a fight.

Really there is nothing that needs to be said about this game that has not already been said through out the season.

Just hope Coach Butch Jones fixes the defense, and the offense.

For way too long the excuse for being a bad defense has been "its a young defense", next year that needs to be corrected if the Bearcats have any ambition of being one of the top teams in Big East.

The play of the QB needs to improve, Zach has been too erratic over the season, with too many INT's.

PS. I applaud Connor Barwin for sticking it out for the entire game.

Double PS. Someone get Coach Kerry Coombs a damn sweatshirt or something, that man was going nuts on the sidelines with only a polo shirt. How does he do it? When stuff starts going bad to worse that's when Coach Coombs go from crazy to bat shit crazy.

Triple PS. Here is the video of the Bearcat mascot be hauled away by the police. Hey you, the bitch in the video shut the F up, the shit is funny and it is on the Internet.

Stat: ESPN

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Recap Cincinnati Bearcats vs Connecticut Huskies

Bearcats - 17
Huskies - 38

The season is almost drawing close, on what has been a disappointing effort.
The Bearcats needed to win their final two games to be bowl eligible.

If the first half play is any indication, that won't be happening. It was brutal to watch a 6'4" 295lb defensive lineman outrun the entire Bearcats offense on an INT.

Bearcats defense still can't get enough stops, especially on third downs. And the offense is not helping out the defense by giving up two turnovers already in the first half.

And it turns out the second half wasn't any better. The defense did it part pave the way for the comeback, but the offense failed. Zach Collaros threw costly INT in the second half.

No team can't win games when you are behind the turnover margin (5 turnovers), and the Bearcats have been on the wrong side of the margin many times this season.



Not much to say after this game, I kept hoping for a comeback, but sadly there was no comeback. UConn kept the ball on the ground and churned out 236 yards. And every time the Bearcats got the ball back, they kept turning it over.

This Bearcats defense can't put pressure on the opposing QB, the offensive line is not good enough and out LB's and DB's can't play zone.

Congratulaiton on UConn for the win and good luck on your journey to a first ever BCS game.

Stat: ESPN

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Rutgers -38
Cincinnati - 69

Wow what a first half by the UC, the Bearcats playing some PlayStation football out there. First half alone Bearcats put up 7 touchdowns and 416 yards. But the young defense still gave up 3 touchdowns and 259 yards to a shitty team.
This was the offense all the Bearcats faithfull was looking forward to from the beginning of the season. But it might be little too late, oh well we have something to look forward to next season.
When Rutgers scored on its first play from scrimmage, I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. But thank God the Bearcats responded with their own offense.

Well the second half was not much kinder to the Scarlet Knights. Either way this win, this style of play, this type of production was overdue. Zach Collaras being efficient and making plays with his arms and his legs, Isaiah Pead racking up touchdowns like Mario collecting coins.
I thought Rutgers' defense would contain the Bearcats offense that had put up a mere 17 points total in the last two games. Instead the Bearcats went back to being the Bearcats of previous two years with quick strike, spread offense that totaled 661 yards and 10 touchdowns.

But lets look on the bad side of a good night, the offense covered up a poor effort by the defense. The young defense still gave up 392 yards to a freshman QB on a bad offensive team. But I do have to give credit to Brandon Mills and the rest of the defensive line for stopping the run and putting pressure on the QB and getting couple of sacks through out the night.

I also have to give credit to receiver Mark Harrison, who had an unreal game, too, catching 10 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns.

Lets all collectively keep our fingers crossed for the Bearcats to win out their remaining games and become bowl eligible.

Stat: ESPN

Image: (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

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Recap Cincinnati Bearcats vs West Virginia Mountaineers

What is it with this Bearcats football team, are they still having an identity crisis? My God, they have played 8 games, and they still have not figured out what to do on offense, on defense. I know the defense is young with basically no depth, but what about the offense? They put up 7 points against Syracuse and today verses Mountaineers the Cats put up a whopping 10 points.
But the one big factor that makes this team so bad is that the whole team is undisciplined.
Collaros is the best QB in the Big East with 20 TD, we have two outstanding WR's, with a pretty damn good running back. So why is this team struggling on offense? Is it the players, is it the system or is it the game plan by the coaching staff?

I don't see this team finishing any better than 4-8 after watching this performance against W.Virginia.
I foolishly predicted this team winning another Big East title, before the season started. But the offense has not taken charge when it needs to and the young defense has been broken too many times.
Here is my analysis for this game.
First half, the special team played shitty, the offense played shitty, the defense played shitty. Second half the special team did nothing, the offense did nothing, and the defense did nothing.

Image: (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)
State: ESPN

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Recap Syracuse Orange vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Like my friend said, there was more excitement at the pool table over at Arlins bar after the game than during the game.
I'm saying this nicely as possible, but Chazz Anderson fucking sucks. I mean there is really no other way to put it. I'm not really sure if he is a QB or a pitcher, because bunch of his passes looks like sinker balls.
Usually I say it's UC that lost the game, but after watching today game, it was all about Syracuse. They whopped UC's ass all over the field, offense, defense, special team. The Bearcats couldn't move the ball and when they did,they found some way to turn it over.

It was obvious the Bearcats where going to struggle today, because they couldn't run the ball. And I am baffled as to why we struggle to run, the Bearcats have a running QB and a great running back in Pead. I'm not sure what needs to change, but something needs to change, because when the Bearcats effectively run the ball they play great, when they are incapable of running, they struggle.

Wishing he had someone not named Chazz

As far as the defense goes, its the same old same old. I know the defense is young, but they have practiced enough and play enough to be better than this.
The Bearcats can't stop anyone on third down. Time after time, when ever there was a third down for Syracuse, they would simply run someone into the middle and complete a short pass to pick up a first down.

All I gotta say is I miss the Greg Robinson coached Syracuse teams.

Image: (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Stat: ESPN

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I love the Bearcats and the Big East blows

This has been floating around for a couple of days and I'm surprised it has not gotten much attention.
Butch Jones is right, the Big East does blow goats, the Big East sucks so much anyone and everyone has a chance of winning any given game.

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Recap South Florida Bulls vs UC Bearcats

Thats How 32,00 people felt last night

This was a bizarre game, that's the only way I can summarize it.
We let a shitty QB from USF look like Tim Tebow. Does anyone realize how bad South Florida's offense really is? They have not scored any offensive TD in the two previous games, and in that span B.J. Daniels threw for five interceptions.
Zach Collaros threw three touchdown passes, that is great but why is he attempting 53 passes?. I mean did we all of a sudden have amnesia and forget how to run the ball? I think it might favor the Bearcats if we get our best player (Pead) involved in the game a little bit more.


Too Many Throw

 I would love to give credit to USF, but I feel like UC did more to lose this game that USF did to win it.
The Bearcats self-destructed with a half-dozen dropped passes and 12 penalties for 115 yards, that just shows a lack of discipline and and a lack of maturity.
Seems like every big throw B.J. Daniels made looked like it came from a broken defense assignment. I know the defense is young, but you can't always use inexperience as an excuse.


Really only 8 Rushing Yard?

There was so many different points in the game that I though was a momentum killer.
Two bad kick offs by Rogers.
Barnet deciding to dive into the end zone from the 30 yard line even though he had a step on his man, but somehow he stepped out of bounds.
Collaros holds on to the ball on a 2nd and goal from the 5, then he is sacked for 15 yards loss, UC ends up settling for 3 points before the half.
Again Collaros holds on to the ball way too long, takes a 5 yard sack from UC's own 7.
A dropped pass by Binns that would have been a TD catch right before the end of 1st half.
DJ Woods dropping a pass in the final UC drive that would of have given them a fist down and maybe a TD.
Not using our last time out on the final drive to set up a better play, instead Chazz Anderson gets bear hugged and he throws an incomplete pass.
But the most deflating play of the game has to be when UC was stopped on a 4th and 2 in the 3rd quarter, but then USF takes over at their own 30 and on the very next play B.J. Daniels throws for a 70 yard TD strike to F. Hornes.


Binns Making Plays Like Always

 UC's offense stunk in the first half, but the defense did enough to keep them in the game. But in the 2nd half the offense finally came alive, but then the defense decided to take the rest of the game off until that one key stop on USF towards the end of the 4th.
I'm not an expert on all the football rules, but whats up with those two odd calls against UC? Why are those rules even in the official rule book. I mean did Butch Jones really dial up a play that requires the running back to tip the ball in the air and our center to run and catch it and rumble down for a first down? I mean these rules are so obsolete, it really needs to be removed.

Image: (AP Photo/Al Behrman), The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger
Stat: ESPN

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Recap UC Bearcats vs Louisville Cardinals

Bearcats 35
Cardinals 27
Forget how the Cardinals and the Bearcats have played so far in the season, because when you start conference play its always a new beginning. I knew this would be a tight game, and that's exactly what it turned out to be. The way the first half played out, I thought each team was going to score in 40's but thankfully UC defense did enough in the 2nd half to slow down the Cardinals and their play maker Bilal Powell.

Even with Bilal Powell running wild, I still felt like UC was a better team over all. If it where not for those 2 first half turnovers this game would not have been so close.
Kudos to Coach Jones for keeping the troops focused after being down 10. I was hoping the young Bearcats team would not come unravel after being down. Way to fight back and earn this victory.
Its hard to believe that Cardinals managed only a field goal in the second half, I was just amazed how the defense played. The Bearcats might not have the fastest linebackers or the biggest D-linemen, but they played hard and as a team.

It is just amazing how a good running game can make a team look so good. Ever since Pead came back from injury this team has looked completely different.
But lets talk about Armon Binns, finally stepping up and showing as what type of football player he is 8 catches for 175 yards and 3 TD's. If he keeps playing like this, the Big East championship will be UC's.
The one thing I was worried before the kick off was Louisville defense which is ranked third nationally in sacks. Considering how UC's O-line has played in the first half of the season I was a little worried, but somehow they pulled it off and escaped with no sacks allowed.

UC played the game without starting right tackle and starting free safety, saw one of its top receivers leave the game with a head injury and the offense committed three turnovers. But they overcame all that and still pulled out a win in a tough environment.
We are finally seeing this young team putting the pieces together and achieving more than what was expected by the critics.

Image: (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
Stat: ESPN

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Re-Cap Oklahoma Sooners vs Cincinnati Bearcats



Sooners 31

Bearcats 29

I guess Coach Butch Jones said following 31-29 loss to No. 8 Oklahoma: "There are absolutely no moral victories.", but as a fan I think sometimes there can be some moral victories.
After watching the first three games of this season and after seeing how we lost two of those games, this game was surly a pick me up and gave me optimism for the rest of the season.
We played tough, we played fast, for the first time we didn't play like we were nervous and I can appreciate that.
The O-Line gave their QB time to make some throws which was a big improvements over the NC State game.
And what a difference a good running back can make. Isaiah Pead made all kinds of difference in this game, 21 for 169 is no joke. I really think he was the reason the game was so close. That does not mean everyone else on the team does not deserve some sort of credit, but Isaiah Pead make a big difference how we play as a team.
I don't want to take credit away from the Sooners, but I really think the Bearcats lost this game on their own with bad penalties and four turnovers.
We can fault DJ Woods for the two costly mistakes, but the truth is you win as a team and you lose as a team.

DJ Woods is one of our best player, and he just had a bad day, and that kind of stuff happens and I'm confident he will come back strong.

But I think we can only improve from this game, and look on the bright side, the Big East is not so tough. I do not see any team dominating this year, and I can see the Bearcats making a run at the title.

But the one thing I can't ignore or forget is the missed PAT, there is no way anyone should miss a PAT.

But I say have some patience Bearcat fans, things will turn around.

Image via: (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Stat: ESPN

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Second Rant about UC Bearcats vs N. Carolina State

I'm still in awe as to how we got our ass handed to us by the N.C. State.
Even after all the bad plays, the miss opportunities and the penalties I kept on watching like a good boy waiting for something magical to happened.

And finally that moment came, it was 3rd and 1in the 4th quarter, no matter what, we had to covert it and get a first down. So what where the calls, first they tried a QB sneak, then they tried to run the football, both failed miserably. So now I'm wondering what is the coaching staff sees that I'm not seeing? Everyone watching the game know our O-line cant block anyone, let alone create any type of gap for a running play.
It was just mind boggling. No reason to try and run the ball at that time, we had too much on the line at that time to prove that we can run the ball on N.C. State.

I'm no football expert, but I'm pretty sure that was a bad call from the coaching staff.
I honestly cannot figure out, how we stayed in this game until the very end of the fourth quarter. The score might of have bee 30-19 but it felt more like 40-0.

I urge all the Bearcats fan, please pray for Zach Collaros when they play Oklahoma next week. May he live to see the next day. Amen.

PS. Is it just me or does the above photo show someone steeping out? So why was it a TD?

Image:Associated Press/Ethan Hyman

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