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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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 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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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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UC Bearcats vs UofL Cardinals - Not Much Of A Preview

What should we expect from tonight UC vs U of L match? I really don't know, both teams have struggled in the early part of the season, both teams have first year coaches.
The funny things is Charlie Strong was the Florida's Defensive Coordinator that put a strangle hold on UC last year at the Sugar Bowl. But at the same time Butch Jones was on the side line watching Florida's Defense. So I think both coaches kind of know what the other teams game plan is.
As a homer, I'm hoping UC can pull this game out. I'm not really sure what kind of defense U of L has, because they lost to teams that are better than them and have beaten against teams that they are suppose to beat. It looks like it will be a tight one at Papa Johns Cardinals Stadium.

Here are some stats that I just copied from Cincinnati.com

UC Team stats U of L
416.4 Offense avg. 461.4

178.6 Avg. by rush 218.0

237.8 Avg. by pass 243.4

352.4 Defense avg. 329.4

84.8 Avg. by rush 147.6
267.8 Avg. by pass 181.8

29.4 Avg. points for 31.4

19.8 Avg. pts. against 19.0

PS.
University of Louisville home page looks like dog shit. It looks like its powered by blogger.

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Re-Cap Miami RedHawks vs UC Bearcats

Miami RehHawks 3
UC Bearcats 45
For the first time this year I'm at Nippert Stadium to catch the Cincinnati Bearcats. And what a game it turned out to be. The ass whooping was handed out by the Bearcats early and often.
After a close lose to Oklahoma two weeks ago, UC need to comeback strong. And that's exactly what they did, from the get go Miami had no chance in this game. The quick-strike offense that the Bearcats fans were accustomed to was back. It took two plays on offense to put six points on the board.
I will be honest, I was a little disappointed by Miami tonight, I was hoping to see the same team that gave the Florida Gators a good run.
After watching the Bearcats play against Oklahoma and Miami, I think it's safe to say the two-time defending Big East champions got their swagger back just in time for conference play.
All I can say is this, when Isaiah Pead is on the field this team plays different. Pead is our X-factor, he makes the offense move. He makes it easy for the QB to play without too much on his shoulders.

Not only was this a redemption game for the fans and the coaching staff, but it was big redemption game for D.J. Woods and he didn't disappoint. I know it was hard for Woods after his fumble near the goal line and again on a punt return in the closing minutes against Oklahoma, but he showed strength and guts coming back tonight against the RedHawks.
I hope all the paranoid Bearcat fans out there can breath a little easier now. After seeing two great performance, I firmly believe Butch Jones was the right man for the job.
This win should sent the two-time defending Big East champions into conference play with plenty of momentum. If the Bearcats keep playing like this next week, the Louisville Cardinals don't hold a chance.

Sorry for the gay picture of me trying to kiss the Bearcat

PS.
A shout out to the good friends that kept me company at the game.
And a special shout out to Melvi for getting me the ticket.
Image via: The Enquirer/Joseph Fuqua II
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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