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

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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.

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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.

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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).

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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.

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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.

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

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

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog

Champs Again 2010

I have seen couple of rankings out there that predicts Cincinnati to finish anywhere from 3rd to 5th in the Big East. sportingnews.com, scout.com

Are these infidels serious, have they not watched us play for the past two seasons? They picked UC to finish 3rd in 2009 and we all know how that turned out.
I know our coach left and I know our top to players left, but what they forget is we got great players coming back, and we have a better coach taking over the program.


Let me give you some reasons as to why we will rise to the top again as Big East Champs.
Walter Stewart, Isaiah Pead, Zach Collaros, Dominique Battle,  Armon Binns, Vidal Hazelton and Kenbrell Thompkins.

I tell you what, I'm more excited to start this season than the start of last season.
The last time Butch Jones took over after Brian Kelly left, things turned out just fine. We will have a similar offense as to last season with only more emphasis on running and defense.
So I say suck it to the rest of Big East, as you guys watch as we raise the trophy for the third time.

Read More

Follow @cilii_blog