First off, thanks to those that listened or semi-paid attention or acknowledged the "Not Ready For Airtime Primetime Pregame Spectacular" Stadium Show outside of the Lindner Center today. We were moved into prime real estate today on the Sheakley Lawn right in the middle of all of the activity with the cornhole, inflatables, cheerleaders ,etc. Again, another "standing room only" crowd. Thanks to Jim Kelly, Tim Adams from bearcatlair.com and Chuges the Intern (from Mo's show on 1530 Homer The Sports Animal). Chuges ably took the place of basketball coach Mick Cronin today who had to be with recruits. (Don't worry I will demand a raincheck from Coach Cronin.) A beautiful mid-October day it was. Now to the games....
(Photo from AP/gobearcats.com)
The Homecoming football game was a win 13-10 over Rutgers and was as ugly and spirited a contest as I expected. With Rutgers desperately needing a win and with better talent than anyone (outside of Oklahoma) that UC's played yet, I knew they would be up for a game. Couple that with the fact that UC's starting a redshirt freshman QB in his second collegiate game and you can't be surprised. The offense is making plays, but would be making many more if it were operating at anything near full capacity. Throw in a number of yellow hankies (12) that severely impeded progress and helped Rutgers and you pretty much take this game and run. However, the score is a bit deceiving. I never had the feeling that UC was in trouble in this game as they always appeared to have the upper hand. Minus some penalties, the score could've easily been more like 24-3. In the end though, it's win #5 and your one win away from bowl eligibility at the halfway mark even though you've played four different quarterbacks. Chazz Anderson 21 of 29 today, although Zach Collaros did warm up once and I think he might've given Rutgers another look. Jake Ramsey had another good day running the ball with 85 yards, but I'm still enamored with what Isiah Pead did last week against Marshall (and we're told fellow frosh Darrin Williams is even quicker).
Star of the game? It's Kevin Huber--46.4 punting average and he constantly kept Rutgers pinned back with poor field position. Give him the "Guy" now.
To 5/3 Arena now and despite some early muffled sound issues that were in no way the fault of Dan Hoard (trust me, I've MC'd events where people yell at the announcer who has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the equipment) it came off well. Both the men and women were introduced and available for autographs afterward. What everyone came for was the scrimmage and that was enough to whet everyone's roundball appetite. On the downside, Dion Dixon, Kenny Belton and Alvin Mitchell didn't play due to injury. On the upside, Darnell Wilks showed off his 40" vertical, Yancy Gates was a monster, "Biggy" McClain looked more comfortable, Cashmere Wright showed some "stroke", Deonta Vaughn was what you'd expect and Mike Williams played injury-free. Perhaps the best news came when I came home and had an e-mail from UC SID Mike Harris informing me that 7-2 John Riek of the Sudan will be joining the team after fall quarter (early December). That means that Riek has passed his college entrance exam and will be eligible. Given what UC's had to go thru in recent years with Adam Hrycaniuk and Hernol Hall--that is certainly good news. This is the most size UC's had in some years and this team appears to be on the verge of dramatic improvement. Among those on hand for today's event: Corie Blount, Andre Tate (on staff last year now coach at Cincinnati State) Tony Bobbitt, and former NFL players Brad Jackson and Sam Garnes.
Pretty eventful day in Corryville and in the end--a successful one.
