Observations from UC vs. Louisville

A few observations from the Bearcats big 41-10 victory over Louisville on Friday:

1. It was great to see Nippert stadium filled, but at times it didn't sound like it. The student section was crazy as always, but for having the #5 team in the country, the fans at times were quiet and seemed uninterested. Before the game I was watching the Ohio State game while downing pizza & beers at Papa' Dino's and was impressed that even after a loss to Purdue that took them out of BCS contention, the fans were still going berzerk. We need that fanaticism in Cincinnati.

2. I was very impressed with the UC offense without Tony Pike. Zach Collaros played an awesome game, going 15 of 17 passing. I was surprised UC didn't run the ball more. The RBs only got 19 carries, and most of those came after the Bearcats had the big lead.

3. I love the cozy confines of Nippert, except when I get out of my seat. The concession and bathroom lines are ridiculous. Any plans to expand the stadium need to include plans to exapnd these areas, because they can barely handle 35,000.

4. I was in the bathroom at halftime and someone started chaning "Who-Dey". Really? This goes back to #1 above. I know people are excited about the Bengals, but come on. You are at the #5 Bearcats game, and they are winning big against a hated rival. How about a "U-C" chant?

5. It was nice to see some of the reserves get some reps in. The Bearcat's depth and experience is a big reason for their great success from season-to-season under Brian Kelly.

Pike has surgery, not ruled out

Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike had surgery on his left, non-throwing forearm Tuesday morning to fix a metal plate that shifted after getting hit in UC's game against South Florida.

Despite that, coach Brian Kelly has not ruled Pike out for this Saturday's game against Louisville. Kelly said that they will work to keep the swelling down over the next 48 hours and then have Pike return to practice to see if he can play.

With this news, I would be absolutely shocked if Pike plays this Saturday. There is no reason to risk further injury and an extended absence for this game. If this were Pitt and the Big East championship were on the line, maybe. But not for Louisville.

Pike practices

Cincinnati QB Tony Pike practiced today for the first time since suffering an injury to his left forearm just 4 days ago. He is day-to-day, and it has not been decided if he will play this Saturday against Louisville.

At the time of the injury it was believed he would miss at least this weeks game and possibly several more if surgery is required. Now he is practicing with a protective cast and the coaches are trying to determine if he can play and protect himself from further injury.

I like Pike's toughness and think the Bearcats need him to win the Big East, but I'd rather not see him play this week. Even though its a rivalry game, Louisville is one of the weaker teams in the conference this year. I would like to see Zach Collaros or Chazz Anderson start with Pike on standby if the game was on the line. The experience would do Collaros or Anderson good and would give Pike's arm another full week to heal so he can finish the season.