Bearcats Make It Look Easy Against SMU, 76-56

January 7, 2018

After escaping Temple with a W thanks to a Jacob Evans clutch jumper, UC did not disappoint Sunday evening.  Since the inception of the AAC back in 2012, SMU has always presented a challenge for Mick Cronin’s Bearcats.  Led by Tim Jankovich, the Mustangs play sound, fundamental basketball.  They know when to pass and shoot.  And they do not turn the ball over.

UC obliterated that plan and made it look easy in the process.  Forcing 18 turnovers and holding SMU to just 37.5% from the field, the Bearcats coasted to an easy victory.  Gary Clark during the postgame press conference talked about how the Bearcat players focused on guarding only the player they are responsible for defending.  UC did not fall for the easy kick-out three on this night.

Gary Clark became a problem in the second half, transitioning into his aggressive role.  Clark and Evans both finished with 18 points.  Cane Broom played just 12 minutes, but his ankle seemed to hold up just fine.

The Cats attempted more free throws than three pointers, and again came out with a W.  Jarron Cumberland forced 11 deflections, and Coach Cronin discussed how Jarron is learning to play harder.  For the game, UC caused 40 deflections.

UC is now 14-2 and tied with Wichita State atop of the AAC.  Where will they move in the rankings this week?  After losing to Norwood, they have not received any love despite winning, and winning convincingly.   They should at least be top-15, but we shall see what the “experts” have to say.

PS – the nation’s longest home court winning streak in now extended to 35.  After all, the Bearcats are playing on their actual floor transported from Fifth Third Arena and hauled into BB&T so the streak technically continues, right?

Next up – an easy one at USF (7-10) on Saturday at 7 p.

By Andy Smith

Bearcats Recruiting Class Members All Over the USA Today All-Ohio Honorees

December 27, 2017

Luke Fickell has been recruiting the state of Ohio for a while, and it shows. Relying upon his network of buckeye state prep coaches, Fickell has made the University of Cincinnati 2018 recruiting class far and away the strongest class of incoming freshmen on record. Ranked 47th nationally, 1st in the American Athletic Conference, and 1st among other “Group of 5” schools, the 2018 class features a number of players that look to contribute early next season.

The USA Today released its list of All-Ohio players, and it’s populated by numerous future Bearcats. The list includes:

  • Malik Vann, Fairfield (State of Cincinnati), DL
  • Colin Woodside, Fairfield Union (Lancaster), OL
  • Josh Whyle, La Salle (State of Cincinnati), TE
  • Ty Van Fossen, St. Francis DeSales (Columbus), LB
  • Daeshon Martin, Archbishop Hoban (Akron), DL
  • Ja’von Hicks, Colerain (State of Cincinnati), DB

Congrats to all of these players! I look forward to watching each of them suit up in red and black.

By Brian Fox

For more of the story, be sure to follow along on Twitter – @BearcatsRadio.

Xavier Yet to Appear in a Final Four

November 28, 2017

On Saturday, December 2nd at 12:00 PM, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats travel to the Cintas Center in Norwood, Ohio to face the Xavier University Musketeers.

Since the school’s founding in 1831, the Musketeers have yet to make an appearance in a NCAA Tournament Final Four. Not one. Conversely, the University of Cincinnati, founded in 1819, has advanced to the Final Four no less than six times.

By Brian Fox

For more, follow along on Twitter — @BearcatsRadio.

Bearcats Defeat UCONN in Dramatic Fashion

November 26, 2017

In dramatic fashion on Saturday, the Bearcats escaped Nippert Stadium (and this season) with their fourth win against the University of Connecticut, defeating the Huskies by a 1-point-margin — 22-21. Both teams entered the game 3-8, looking to exit the season with some form of momentum into the offseason.

Cincinnati could not have provided a better setting for a football game in late November. During the game, the temperature hovered around the mid-50s, as the sun beamed on the 23,125 fans in attendance.

Statistically, the Huskies dominated the Bearcats. UConn gained 10 more first downs, out-rushed, and out-passed UC. Time of possession also skewed heavily in favor of UConn, who possessed the ball nearly twice as much as the Bearcats (39:40 to 20:20). But games aren’t won or lost in boxes on a page; they’re won on the field.

Offensively, the Bearcats were powered by senior RB Mike Boone who gained 83 yards on 14 carries (and 100 all-purpose yards). Junior WR Kahlil Lewis caught 6 passes for 64 yards, and two touchdown receptions. Sophomore WR Thomas Geddis also had 6 catches for 65 yards. Junior QB Hayden Moore finished the game passing for 199 yards and two scores. Moore’s one blemish appeared in the form of an interception he threw in the end zone as the Bearcats were about to score.

Defensively, the Bearcats were anchored by senior LB Jaylyin Minor, who finished with 15 tackles, and senior DB Carter Jacobs, who had 12 solo tackles and one interception. Notably, true freshman Jarell White (LaSalle) had 11 tackles and one QB hurry.

The game went down to the wire, with UConn driving late. After a pass interference penalty put the Huskies on UC’s two yard line, UConn’s QB David Pindell evaded the Bearcats’ rush, scrambled outside his right tackle and threw for a touchdown with no time left on the clock. UConn trailed by only a point.

Nippert brimmed with anxiety.

While UConn’s Head Coach Randy Edsall signaled his desire to go for two points, the Huskies were flagged for taunting after the touchdown. Edsall relented and elected to just kick the lengthier extra point.

Before the extra point kick to send the game into overtime, the Huskies’ PK Michael Tarbutt had nailed 3/4 field goals from 26, 37, and 53 yards. His only miss leading up to the lengthy extra point was a 49 yard attempt in the second quarter. With the game on the line, though, Tarbutt shanked the ball off his golden cleat with no time left on the clock.

The Bearcats escaped Nippert’s hallowed turf with their fourth win of the season. For the seniors, the victory was undoubtedly gratifying. For first year head coach Luke Fickell, the win was probably a relief as he’ll need momentum from that win to carry into offseason conditioning and preparation.

The Bearcats open up next season on the road against UCLA in Pasadena, California on September 1st. UCLA just hired Chip Kelly, adding even more intrigue to that West Coast trip.

By Brian Fox

For more, follow along on Twitter — @BearcatsRadio.

Bearcats Basketball Is Back – Lessss Go!

November 7, 2017

The Bearcats have now played their annual red vs. black scrimmage and won two exhibition games, handily. The regular season tips off on Friday at noon against Savannah State. Let’s dive into our initial thoughts so far on a much anticipated UC basketball season.

A Temporary Place to Call Home

The Cats are calling BB&T Arena home this year.  Don’t drive to Fifth Third Arena – they won’t let you in until November 2018, especially if you don’t have your hardhat and lunchbox. I was initially annoyed by the move. Call me selfish, even a stick in the mud, but I’m a creature of habit and traditions. However, my personal inconveniences are outweighed by the brand-spanking-new state-of-the-art arena next year, and the drive to NKU’s campus in Highland Heights, Kentucky, across the mighty Ohio River really isn’t that bad. More importantly, the Norse actually have themselves an awesome, intimate basketball arena. BB&T Arena reminds me of the trip I took to VCU in 2015 to watch UC beat the Rams. Anyone who has been to the Stu knows how great of a basketball atmosphere VCU has to offer.

BB&T was built in 2008 and holds 10,000 fans. I’m a fan of smaller, jam-packed venues, and this place foots the bill.  BB&T should get very, very loud when some of the marque opponents come to town, including Mississippi State, Wichita State, and SMU. On top of that, there is a Braxton Brewery beer garden for the fans to enjoy.

Please let us know your thoughts on the venue, as well, as the season unfolds.

Is It Hype? The Preseason Accolades Are Piling Up.

Admittedly, I was a young teenager growing up in Toledo, Ohio, trying to grow hair on my chest, during the heyday of Bob Huggins and Kenyon Martin. That being said, this season sets up as the far most hyped Cincinnati Bearcat basketball season I can recall. Sure, Sean Kilpatrick’s senior season with Justin Jackson was up there – but this just feels different and much more significant. Are we about to witness something we’ve not seen this winter and spring? Are we getting too “over our skis” by thinking a National Championship is possible?

Several polls placed UC around the preseason top-10 mark. UC is even getting some good looks and headnods from the talking heads at Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and ESPN. Just today, CBS released an article (and demonstrative map) indicating that the University of Cincinnati should exercise geographical dominance over weaker Ohio programs like Xavier, Dayton, and Ohio State. ESPN’s Sean Farnham and Seth Greenberg predict the Bearcats will make the Final Four, and Jeff Borzello predicts Mick Cronin will win National Coach of the Year. Gary Clark and Jacob Evans are also showing up on lots of watch lists for end of year player-specific awards.

To make matters better, you have the sophomore videogame-like scorer Jarron Cumberland who put up 27 points on 11/15 shooting in the last exhibition. Go ahead and stir into that mix highly-touted transfer point guard Cane Broome, the always steady Kyle Washington, and a host of talented role players with game experience like Justin Jenifer and Tre Scott.  As if that wasn’t enough, the Bearcats also feature talented incoming freshman like Keith Williams and Eliel Nsoseme (who may even get enough playing time for you to learn how to say and spell his name – the dude is a beast).

This team is deeper than the wedgies I used to get before wising-up and switching to boxer briefs. One commentator observed this team is deeper than magma, or the basement of hell. I can’t wait to see how Coach Cronin rotates his players off the bench in a quasi-hockey-line fashion. This team is fast. Broome and Co. can really move the ball up court with Evans and Cumberland on the wings.

My only real question is how far will #15 Broome take us?  Cane is a lights-out, savvy ball handler and scorer.  But a year of practice and two exhibition games against teams you’ve never heard of simply do not tell us how he will handle his first Crosstown Shootout, Florida, or the AAC slate. Lucky for him – Broome does not have to do it alone. This team is oozing with offensive talent. When was the last time you could say that? Who will shoot the final shot? On top of that, Justin Jenifer isn’t bad at all as a backup point guard with an incredible left hand.

Prediction: This Squad Is All Beer, No Foam.

I think this year is more than hype. If they can figure out how to allocate opportunities, UC has a real chance to make a move in March. Their strength of schedule currently sits at #1 in the AAC and top-10 in the country. The Bearcats face Xavier, UCLA, Florida, and Wichita State twice, just to name a few big games. I am fully expecting Mick to get this squad back to the Sweet 16 and to make a deep run in the conference tournament and March Madness.

I cannot wait for Saturday, December 2nd at noon when the Cats march into the Cintas Center ready to make it two in a row for the good guys.  It will be interesting to see how the 1’s and 2’s grow together in the games leading up to the Crosstown Shootout, as well.

Basketball is back!

By Andy Smith

For more, follow along on Twitter/Snapchat – @BearcatsRadio, Instagram/Facebook – @BearcatsSportsRadio.

Marvel Fan and Hype Man – #6 Perry Young

September 28, 2017

It’s Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.  Perry Young is in the Lindner Center carrying his red backpack, decked-out in UA Bearcats gear in the lower levels where the football players scurry about for meetings and training, trying to catch a quick lunch during a hectic schedule. A baseball cap backwards wearing a large smile at all times, Perry stops to talk to us.

In this, his sophomore campaign, Young has proven to be the sparkplug of the Bearcats defense.  While Jaylyin Minor has been racking up tackles and patrolling the middle of the field, Young has been offering a complimentary defensive X-factor on any given play.

At 5’ 10” and a generous listing of 208 lbs., Perry flies around the field with reckless abandon, defying any suspicion about being undersized.   Except for one suspect targeting call against Miami, he has played aggressive, yet sound, defense.  Known as the most energetic player on the team, you can catch Perry dancing before games during warmups and between plays at practice.

Even as a true freshman last year, Perry saw action in all 12 games as a backup linebacker and special teams enforcer.  He racked up 42 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.  He closed out his freshman year with 9 tackles against Tulsa and continued the progress this season.

He began his career at UC as #46.  But as soon as he could this season, he dropped the 4 and switched to #6, the number he’s worn his entire life on the football field – his lucky number.

Young started the year with a bang.  Against Austin Peay he finished with 17 tackles.  You may also recall #6 during the Michigan game. He jumped the snap count to disrupt the QB exchange and caused a fumble.  He also defended a receiver, leaped in the air, and not only deflected a sure-fire deep touchdown, but nearly came up with an acrobatic pick.  He of course summersaulted at full speed and got right up as if the move was just a typical, everyday play.  While the stats sheet tallies just 4 tackles and one pass defended, if you paid attention throughout the game, Young meant so much more to the UC defense in the Big House.

Perry had to sit in the locker room during the craziness of the 4th quarter of the Miami game after being ejected for targeting.  He discussed how tough it was to leave his teammates at that pivotal moment.  He was sure to stand in the tunnel as close as he could to watch the game on the jumbotron and waive his towel to encourage the team.  Like a kid peeking out of his room on Christmas Eve, Young was not going to miss the end of the 12th straight win against the Redhawks.

Perry, along with several other players, including Jakari Robinson, Hayden Moore, and Korey Cunningham are from Alabama.  Young, specifically from Birmingham.  He enjoys spending time with his Alabama teammates. They go fishing and do “Bama activities” together to remember home from time-to-time.

Rated a 3-star prospect and the #152 safety in the country, he chose Cincinnati over Maryland and Tulane, among others, due to the atmosphere and fanbase.  He played quarterback, receiver, running back, safety, linebacker, and just about everything else growing up.

Young is a sports management major.  He is a very driven person.  Even off the field, although the team goal is to have a 3.0 GPA, Perry seeks to achieve more and is currently an A-student.  He takes his life one step at a time, minute by minute.  He wants to play in the NFL. However, once his football days are over, he isn’t sure exactly what his plan will be, but we are sure the hard work will pay off.   His motto is “keep working hard day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.”

He loves the Marvel series, and whenever he can, Perry Young loves to watch movies in his free time.  He’ll even go see moves in the theater by himself.  Called Weapon X after his idol, former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, Perry is one of the nicest, happiest people you will meet.

By Andy Smith

Pitino Fired Over Corruption Allegations; What Does It All Mean?

September 27, 2017

The University of Louisville has placed Rick Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich on administrative leave. While the circumstances surrounding Pitino’s likely ouster continue to pour forward, here is what we do know…

The FBI conducted an investigation into corruption in the college basketball recruiting world. Just this week the FBI indicted a number of coaches. In addition, the United States government referenced an unnamed university as “University-6“ in its indictment. University of Louisville officials confirmed they are the unnamed university in the indictment.

According to other reports triangulating information from the FBI’s allegations, U of L freshman Brian Bowen – a five-star recruit who was playing on an Adidas-sponsored AAU team – accepted $100,000 (in four installment payments) to attend the University of Louisville. Reacting swiftly, the University apparently determined Coach Pitino and the Cardinal basketball program had sustained one too many scandals and held a press conference today.

For now, Pitino and Tom Jurich are on leave. Sources close to the program indicate Pitino expects to be terminated and that he has stated as much to his assistant coaches. There is a 10 day notice provision in Pitino’s coaching contract requiring the University to provide 10 days of advanced notice prior to terminating his employment.

What’s at stake? For starters, the U of L basketball program is already on NCAA probation for a scandal involving strippers and prostitutes performing for recruits in the basketball dorm. If these allegations against the program are proven true, the Cardinals basketball program could receive the death penalty from the NCAA.

Then, there is the above-the-table money the University of Louisville and Rick Pitino haul in each season…

Pitino is was the highest paid coach in college basketball, receiving nearly $8 million each season. If he’s fired – for cause – then Pitino will forfeit his contractual entitlement to be paid more than $55 million through 2026.

And let’s not forget about the University, either. Make no mistake, firing Rick Pitino is not a great financial windfall for U of L. Under Pitino’s less-than-watchful eye, Forbes recently ranked the Cards as the most valuable college basketball program, generating approximately $29.1 million of p-p-p-p-p-profit each season for the University.

As an aside, it’s worth mentioning that Brian Bowen’s name will likely be villainized by the media and college athletics establishment. His draft prospects may even be adversely impacted by “character issues.” Yet (assuming he stayed two years), his $100k amounts to (i) 0.17% of the profit his team will generate for the University, and (ii) only 1.2% of Pitino’s annual salary those years. I know, I know, the free education and meal plan…

How does this news potentially impact Bearcats fans? In a word – Cronin.

The University of Louisville is going to be looking for a new head basketball coach and history suggests price is not a problem. Our head coach happens to run a stable, squeaky-clean program. By the way, and despite the $0 player payroll, the program is thriving, especially heading into this season.

Is he a target? Is UC actually Mick Cronin’s dream job? Would he or any of the other name brand coaches want to pick up the pieces in Louisville?

This much is clear, he coached under Pitino once upon a time, his salary is about $5 million less than Pitino’s salary, and Vegas has him as the odds-on-favorite to become the next U of L coach. Those facts alone don’t suggest he’s a slam dunk choice to replace Pitino, but he will certainly be on Louisville’s short list of coaches to target.

Time will tell. For now, I am just grateful that our basketball program is cleanly led, and hope Mick sticks around to chop down nets this April.

By Brian Fox

Defending Against The Triple Option – How To Sink Navy’s Ship

September 20, 2017

The triple option is equal parts fun to watch on TV (if ran successfully) and an absolute pain to play against with just one week of preparation.  The scheme consists of just a handful of plays, but each play contains multiple options: a pitch to the half back, the full back up the gut, the fake for a deep pass – to name a few.  At any given moment, the quarterback can burn you, even more so than a traditional run and gun offense. Three yards, 2 yards, 5 yards, first down, 1 yard, touchdown.  The triple option can put you to sleep and catch you like a deer in the headlights on any possession.  

For as far back as I can remember, UC has never played a triple option team.  The Bearcats are 0-2 all-time against Navy, including losses in 1940 and 1956.  Despite joining the AAC in 2015, Saturday marks the first conference matchup between the two schools and the first game in 61 years.

It’s Not Just Navy

The military academies all run the triple option to the best of their abilities.  Year after year the intricacies of the scheme are practiced, repeated, and honed. Army put up a fight against Ohio State last week.  Navy occasionally beats Notre Dame.  Air Force took Michigan down to the fourth quarter.  

A few select programs have followed triple option suit. Georgia Tech recently played in the Orange Bowl and should have beat Tennessee in week one this year.  Nevada, New Mexico, and even Auburn run variations of the same – flexbone, wishbone, and read option. 

The Man Behind The Success

Kenneth Va’a Niumatalolo (pronounced nee-uh-mah-tuh-lohl-loh) coaches the Midshipmen and has done so since 2007.  The 52-year-old has 10 years in the program and many more to come. A hot commodity with a proven track record (79–42), Niumatalolo is firmly anchored in Annapolis, Maryland.  A quarterback at the University of Hawaii, he is a very well-rounded head coach and loves the underdog role.  If you haven’t watched the weekly documentary series, A Season with Navy Football, download the Showtime Anytime app and call off work tomorrow.  The Hard Knocks style show tracks each game this season, and goes behind the scenes of the Naval Academy and Coach Ken.  I cannot wait to watch the Bearcats episode next Tuesday at 10 p.m.

The man wakes up every day at 3:14 a.m. Why? Because to win the national championship a team must win 14 games.  And, like B. Fox craves donuts, he craves being the first car in the parking lot at the athletic complex.  If someone beats him, he wakes up earlier the next day.  Like any successful college head coach, Niumatalolo is insanely driven to do one thing – win.

Hard work and early mornings pay off.  The Midshipmen won the American West Division in 2015 and 2016.  Coach Ken has won the AAC Coach of the Year Award both years as well.  

Navy is 2-0 on the season with a W over Lane Kiffin (aka Florida Atlantic for at least another week) and a narrow victory over Tulane.  The small margin of victory over a subpar Green Wave squad gives UC hope, despite the experts in Vegas giving the Midshipmen an 11-point edge this Saturday. 

“This offense is tried and tested, because it’s not a gimmick offense,” Niumatalolo has stated. “People think it’s a gimmick offense, but it’s based on numbers. It’s based on angles. It’s really what a lot of people now are doing out of the spread. They’re just doing it out of the gun. But people are running stuff; it’s all numbers-based. When they spread out, if you don’t pick up the right numbers, they’re gonna run the bubble, or you take guys out to take away this, they’ll run the ball inside.”

So How Do You Beat Navy?

Coach Fickell stressed sound assignment football during his weekly press conference – much easier said than done.  All 11 players must do exactly what they are told and each player most perform his assignment.  This is not a game for hero plays and statistics. According to Fickell, “you have to practice without the ball so you’re assignment-sound.” Execution is key.  You must be gap-disciplined.  

The linebackers will be rotated in and out frequently because the ground and pound and pace of the triple option could wear down UC’s defense.  This game sets up as a Coach Brady Collins special. Collins is UC’s strength and fitness coach, and this summer’s fitness regimen could be the cardiovascular difference. If our defense gets gassed early, the Bearcats could be in trouble.

Perry Young will have to sit the first half since he was penalized for targeting towards the end of the Miami game.  This will be a huge hit – no pun intended.  Side Note: Imagine having to watch that epic comeback on a crappy, little TV in the musty locker room by yourself surrounded by jockstraps and compression shorts?  We’ll have to ask him about that when we interview him next week. Side Side Note: It’s high time Miami University fix the air conditioning in the press box.

Preparation. Defending any unique offense requires lots of preparation. Whether the triple option or Chip Kelly’s highspeed Oregon offense – beating these teams require much more than five to six days of film watching and practice. You don’t want to focus all of the limited time at summer camp and fall practice on the unique offenses, but you also don’t want to ignore the schemes until game week. Coach Fickell and his scouts must navigate that difficult balance.  

A number of UC players, including Jaylyin Minor, have played triple option teams in high school. Bryan Wright even played Navy’s JV team in prep school. This helps, but certainly not enough to guarantee a Saturday win.  

Coach Fickell mentioned the Bearcats began to practice against the triple option during Camp Higher Ground sessions at night.  The practices then continued during fall camp before the season started. Now it’s Navy week. During Tuesday’s press conference I looked to my right and the digital “beat Navy” countdown clock read “4 days, 3 hours, 57 minutes, and 3 seconds.” Tick. Tock.

A strong week of preparation is required for this one. All of the Attention Training and offseason preparation must bear fruit. Saturday is a mental game, more so than nearly any other game on the schedule.  Each defensive player must stay in their box and focus only on their individual assignments for four 15-minute quarters.

The Prediction

The UC defense has not let us down this season. That same defense won the Victory Bell for the 12th year in a row in Oxford last week.  Navy’s #9 junior QB Zach Abey isn’t running the option attack nearly as well as Keenan Reynolds. He’s thrown for 242 yards and just 7 completions, with 2 TDs and 2 picks on the year. More importantly, he’s rushed the ball for 343 yards and 2 TDs. Navy will only go as far as Abey. He is their leading rusher by far – 61 carries through 2 games already.  

The Midshipmen also have the 26th best total defense in the country, giving up just 294 yards per game. You know what helps their defense? Ball control and time of possession.

Look for the new-found freshman running backs tandem of Gerrid Doaks and Michael Warren to pick up where they left off in Oxford. Hopefully they continue their growth trend by improving their offensive pocket protection, insulating against defensive pressure on QB1 Hayden Moore.  The receivers must pick up their play this game, having let down Hayden and their teammates the first few games with major drops. We expect the coaching staff to set up a scheme to give Hayden some easy completions early in the game, rotating the running backs frequently. UC has struggled on offense and with field goal kicking this season. However, following the momentum of the Miami win, we expect Fickell to make great strides this week preparing for conference game #1.

The game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will air at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS Sports Network.  We are taking the Cats in another heart-wrenching squeaker, 24-21.

By Andy Smith

95 Bryan Wright – QB From Delaware, Now Clifton’s Edge Rush

September 19, 2017

At 6’3” and 254 lbs., redshirt sophomore defensive end Bryan Wright stands in the lower levels of the Lindner Center reminiscing about how far he’s come.  A troubled past led him to the football field, where he played to escape the perilous circumstances of his hometown.  A former quarterback, punter, and kicker – a jack of all trades between the yard markers.

New Jersey born and raised, he grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, a state we don’t normally associate with football or sports, in general.  Of course, there are always exceptions – Joe Flacco, Mike Adams, Ben Patrick, Gino Gradkowski, and Devon Still, to name a few. Bryan was led to Howard High School, where he played football and basketball.  As a QB, he threw for 1,619 yards and 16 touchdowns.  He ran for 541 yards and 13 touchdowns.  He caught 13 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.  He averaged 34.4 yards per punt. Just a hunch, but my money is on Wright to win a punt, pass, and kick competition at Camp Higher Ground next summer.

Bryan was a three-year varsity basketball player, as well, averaging 11.3 points and 8.4 boards. He even played on Howard’s State Championship team his senior year.

Clearly athletic, on the field Bryan had his act together.  Off the field, he struggled in the classroom.  As a result, he was not heavily recruited by colleges.  Many folks in his position would have waived the white flag and turned to the streets or crime.  

Bryan didn’t give up.  Instead, he moved himself to Matthews, North Carolina to attend Jireh Preparatory Academy.  The goal? According to Wright, “to do it on his own.”  To hone his football skills and learn to be a student in the classroom.  The result? Out of Jireh Prep, he was ranked the #9 player in the prep school rankings and a 3-star prospect.  A city guy, he fell in love with UC when he visited. He claims “it just feels like home to me.”  The following year Wright enrolled at the University of Cincinnati to play defensive end and earn a four-year college degree.  

Wright has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Clifton.  He is fitting in perfectly under Coach Fickel’s defense.  During the season opener, Austin Peay was threatening to tie the score at the end of the first half.  On 3rd and goal, the QB dropped back.  With Bryan beginning to rush, he saw the QB’s eyes, stopped, jumped, and intercepted the ball.  A huge momentum swing to close out the first half, leading to a Bearcat victory.

He continued to impress against Michigan and Miami off the edge. Bryan mentioned “the Michigan game was the best experience he’s ever been a part of.”  With the optimism surrounding the UC defense this year, Bryan Wright will be an important part of the success up front along the line.

In the classroom, Wright’s journey also paid off.  With a 3.0 GPA, Wright will soon earn his bachelor’s degree in health education, with a criminal justice minor.  After he hangs up his cleats, he wants to become a physical trainer.   He enjoys spending time with him teammates and listening to music.  Bryan also claims to be the best Madden Football player now that Alex Pace graduated.  

 This week, Wright’s whole family will make the short trip a few hours away to watch UC play Navy in Annapolis, Maryland.  And strange enough, he played defense against Navy’s JV football team while in prep school.  Wright knows what’s coming – “it’s all about assignment football, 11 on 11.”  Maybe #95 will be the key to a Bearcats victory come Saturday at 3:30 pm.

By Andy Smith

Ding Dong – Why The Miami Game Matters

September 17, 2017

Mike Boone with a boot on his left ankle. Greased goalposts ready to celebrate a win. A 4-point favorite in Vegas.  Special grey Adidas uniforms. Popped collars. Hairspray. Hair gel. Range Rovers.  Below average beer pong skills. J Crew’d students in attendance, for probably just this game. Love and Honor.

An angry Redhawk squad ready to snap the 11-game UC win streak.  Gus Ragland at QB – a competitive, savvy player passed over by everyone, including Cincinnati, out of our own backyard, Moeller High School.  A Bearcat hangover after playing their hearts out at Michigan.  And last, but not least, a wide receiver group who struggled to hang on to even the easiest of catches.  

The stage was set for a sad ending in Oxford. 

Recap Of A Crazy UC Win.

UC was dead in the water.  Down 17-6 with 4 minutes and 45 seconds left – you’re not supposed to win.  Outscoring Miami 18-3 in the 4th quarter, the Cats somehow scratched and clawed their way to a win.  A complete team win.  It took offense, a pick-6, and special teams to escape Miami. Here is the video Brian posted on Twitter of Malik Clements’ pick-6…

Miami with unbelievably poor clock management in the final two minutes.  Quite frankly, I don’t know what was worse – the television announcers or Chuck Martin’s game plan in the final minutes.  A flag for blatant pass interference by Coleman in the end zone was picked up and withdrawn, which would have given the Redhawks the ball on UC’s 2-yard line.  Maybe a make up call for the earlier targeting call, UC got away with highway robbery toward the end of the game in Oxford. Someone call the Butler County Sheriff.  Make it 12 in a row for UC.  The Bearcats secure the Victory Bell in the 122nd rendition of this rivalry.  TWELVE in a row.

The Glass Is More Than Half Full.

Hayden Moore threw a couple picks, including a costly one in the end zone.  Gray with an awful drop on a go-ahead touchdown.  Lewis with more drops following the Michigan game. The offense is far from where it needs to be. But this team does not quit.  At no point did UC throw in the towel.  Tuberville would have all but packed up and got on the bus after halftime last year.  

The Fighting Fickells are different, way different.  Fight to the finish.  Never give in. Words of the UC fight song are taken to heart this year by each and every player wearing the red and black.

While the UC offensive woes continue, the Bearcats defense is a sight to watch.  Sound tackling.  Aggressive pass rush.  Stepping up when needed the most.  Coach Fickell’s defensive prowess is shining through already.  

Even if Boone is out for the year, true freshman Michael Warren, II and redshirt freshman Gerrid Doaks will supply a young and fun to watch ground game.  Yes, they are freshman and pass protection will need to improve, but these guys can run.  And they can do so for the next four seasons starting now. 

Defining College Football.

I could go the rest of my life without ever watching another NFL game, let alone a Bengals game.  Yet when it comes to college football, I can’t imagine going one magnificent Saturday without it.  I plan my year around it, my work calendar, my vacations schedule – my life.  I have missed weddings, skipped birthdays, cancelled dates, called in sick, and played hooky.  Whatever it takes.  An American love affair.  My mistress.  She gets me.

College football is tradition + pageantry + magic.  A spectacle on every level.  The fans. Tailgating. The architectural wonders of stadiums.  The bands.  The trophies.  The cheerleaders.  The list goes on.  It makes your heart race, can cause euphoria or equally force you into tears at any given moment like your girlfriend who dumped you in 8th grade.  It’s the closest thing we have to recreating the ancient events transpiring in the Roman Colosseum.  

It’s last Saturday in the Big House.  It is face paint, pompoms, cheering, dancing, making your own sign, and traveling across the country.  It is Appalachian State.  It is UC coming back in unheard of fashion in a blizzard to beat Pitt in 2009.  It is Reggie Bush. It is Mardy Gilyard.  Comebacks, letdowns, upsets – it is unpredictable, yet perfect.  It is whatever you want it to be. I could go on and on, but if you’re reading this article, you get it. 

This Series Matters People.

The first Battle for the Victory Bell was played in 1888 in Oxford.  No that is not a typo – we are talking about the first college football game played in the State of Ohio.  This game has more history than “the game” played between Ohio State and Michigan.  Think about that. No, really take a minute and soak it in.

The Miami UC series ranks 2nd on the list of most-played rivalries in college football and is the oldest Division I rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains. It is the oldest non-conference rivalry in college football. The schools have met every year since 1945.  This game is tradition – history before our eyes.

I’ve heard the arguments on both sides.  Some are of the opinion the Bearcats are “better than” or have “moved past” the Redhawks.  It’s a trap game with no benefit.  The game does not benefit UC.  Why are we playing a MAC team every year? Blah. Blah. Blah.  Conferences re-align.  Schools change coaches, logos, jerseys, stadiums, and sponsorships.  What matters is colleges keep traditions going strong. Players change, but the Battle for the Victory Bell offers fans consistency – something to expect year after year.  Campuses separated by just 30 miles with both fanbases decked out in red – the Battle for the Victory Bell is important, dammit.

The Keg of Nails (birth: 1929; death: 2013).  The Paddlewheel Trophy (birth: 2005; death: 2012). I don’t know about you, but I really, really miss these rivalry games.  A hole in my heart that will never be filled.  Looking at my replica Keg of Nails given away to fans during the last matchup in Nippert when the fighting Teddy Bridgewaters broke our hearts in OT brings a tear to me eyes.  

We only look at half of the rivalry.  Think of how important it is for the Redhawks to test themselves and fight UC every season.  Just as the Bearcats team and fans look forward to playing the OSU’s of the world, Miami looks forward to playing Clifton’s finest.  The Redhawks’ roster is filled with walk-ons and players overlooked by the Power 5 and the AAC.  The Battle for the Victory Bell is a stage, an annual opportunity – a chance to prove Miami can compete regardless of recruit rankings and scholarship offers.  

Let’s not lose another one folks.  Miami is the only rivalry game UC has left on the schedule in the new-found hodgepodge known as the AAC.  

Rivalries bring the best out of players, coaches, and fans.  Throw the records out.  The number of stars Scout gives the players do not matter. Rivalries are college football.  The storylines. The history.  The tradition.  Luke Fickell knows a thing or two about rivalry games and rivalry week, as he discussed during his weekly press conference.  Rivalries matter.  The Redhawks matter. The Bell matters.  Let it ring. 

That Trophy Though.

The original Victory Bell disappeared in the 1930s.  How cool is that?  The original bell then magically resurfaced in 1946 and is now on display in the lobby of Miami’s Murstein Alumni Center – call it a participation trophy if you will.  

The current Bell is a replica, which is quickly running out of room to paint and denote future game-winners, and will likely remain in the Richard E. Lindner for eternity.

Stats Baby.

All-time series

Miami leads, 59-56-7

Largest victory

Cincinnati, 46-0 (1904)

Longest win streak

Cincinnati, 12 (2006-2017) 

Contract Extension.

Mike Bohn and Co. met in a room somewhere over steaks and whiskey with the Miami administration and negotiated the newest contract extension for the series.  At least that’s how I imagine this happening.  The result?  The rivalry continues and UC used its clout to get a few more “home” games at Paul Brown Stadium – a 2 for 1 special, if you will.  While I quite frankly hate watching games played off campus, maybe this will bring a spark to increase fan participation in this historic rivalry.  

 Sept. 16, 2017 at Miami

 Sept. 8, 2018 at Paul Brown Stadium

 Sept. 14, 2019 at Cincinnati

 Sept. 19, 2020 at Miami

 Sept. 4, 2021 at Cincinnati

 Sept. 17, 2022 at Paul Brown Stadium

 Sept. 16, 2023 at Cincinnati

 Sept. 14, 2024 at Miami

 Sept. 6, 2025 at Cincinnati

 Sept. 19, 2026 at Paul Brown Stadium

 Sept. 11, 2027 at Miami  

 Sept. 9, 2028 at Cincinnati

 Sept. 8, 2029 at Miami

Mike Bohn has now kept Mike Cronin in Clifton, hired Luke Fickell, overseen renovations at both Nipprt Stadium and Fifth Third Arena, and extended the Battle for the Victory Bell for 12 more years on UC turf.  The dude gets it, and I hope you do as well. Ding ding dong.

By Andy Smith