Thoughts on Illinois win

I had hoped to post this sooner, but with the holiday weekend, life has been crazy.  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend.

Go to any college sports website and one of the first three stories will be about Notre Dame and/or Brian Kelly.  It's crazy right now.  I'll have more thoughts on that in a future post.

Notes on the Bearcats 49-36 win over the Fighting Illini:

• On a cold, clear day, Nippert was full and at times very loud.  It was a good crowd.
• When they make upgrades to Nippert, I hope they consider better hot pretzel technology.  It seems like they either run out or serve them cold and mushy.
• Tony Pike looked great.  He has a great arm and nice touch.  His 59-yd touchdown pass to TE Ben Guidugli was made while running to his left and throwing across his body.  It was at least 40 yards in the air.  On another long pass to Mardy Gilyard, the WR had only about a half-step on the cornerback, but Pike hit him perfectly in stride. 
• Apparently all the TEs in the Big Ten do is run-block or at least it seemed that way.  Illinois had no clue how to cover Ben Guidugli in the first half when he had 6 catches for 144 yards and two scores.  Pike often found him wide-open.
• Mardy Gilyard passed Dominick Goodman for the all-time TD leader in UC history.  He showed great vision and the ability to break some tackles on his 90-yd kickoff return TD.
• How's this for spreading the ball around:  Tony Pike completed passes to 8 different targets, with Gilyard, Guidulgi, Armon Binns, & DJ Woods each catching 7 passes.
• I was surprised UC didn't run the ball more.  Before the bye week Brian Kelly said they planned to work on the running game, but Illinois has a weak pass defense and Kelly is the master of taking what the defense gives him.  It was nice to see senior John Goebel, who been hurt most of the year, get in the game and get a few carries.
• The defense is becoming a concern.  They gave up 36 points on 476 yards of offense and will need to tighten up versus Pitt.  This is despite forcing 7 Illini punts.  The problem is that the offense scores so often and so quickly that the defense is on the field a lot, giving the opposing offense many scoring opportunities.

Happy Thanksgiving!

News and Notes:

• I started my Thanksgiving day by running in the 100th annual Thanksgiving Day 10k Race.  It's a Cincinnati tradition and remarkable to have a 100th annual anything.
• The Bearcats basketball team lost to Gonzaga 61-59 in an OT heartbreaker.  While the loss is disappointing, the team had a good showing with two wins over ranked opponents.
• Tony Pike returns as the starter tomorrow when the Bearcats take on Illinois at sold out Nippert Stadium at noon.  The team needs a decisive win for the nationally televised audience watching on ABC.  I'll be there and can hardly wait!
• I don't know much about Illinois except that they have been inconsistent and have a poor pass defense.  UC's high powered attack should be able to take advantage, and hopefully the defense can return to early season form.
• UC once again needs Texas, Alabama, or Florida to lose this weekend to have a shot at the national championship game.  That doesn't look likely as all are favored by double-digits, although Texas A&M is giving Texas a game right now.  UC should be able to pass TCU in the BCS standings based on their strength of schedule if they win out.
• Next weeks game at Pitt is at noon.  That makes it tough to road-trip up there the day of the game, but there are cheap hotels in the suburbs with vacancies Friday night and tickets are still available for $30.  This could be the biggest game in UC history.
• Speaking of Pitt tickets, I got mine in the mail yesterday.  I thought they might be decent since it was the block allocated to UC but actually they suck.  I will be in row GG of section 505 in the corner of the stadium.  Oh well, at least I'll be there.

WVU@UC thoughts

Another game that was closer than it should have been, but a win is a win, and the Bearcats are 10-0 for the first time ever.  This is also the 3rd 10-win season in a row, after having only 1 prior to Brian Kelly's arrival.

• The fans arrived early, and Nippert was loud to start.  There were still times when the fans seem to sit on their hands when they should have been on their feet.  I frequently found that when WVU had a 3rd down, there were only a handful of people in my section on their feet screaming DE-FENSE. 
• I got a chance to sit in the student section for the start of the 2nd half and the energy there was incredible.  Hopefully the entire stadium will eventually be like that.
• I thought UC played their worst football of the year in the 1st half.  Turnovers, penalties, and missed opportunities abounded.
• Zach Collaros seemed off.  I don't know if its just that teams have some film and know how to defend him now, if its the pressure of having Tony Pike healthy and looking over his shoulder, or what, but he didn't see open receivers and made some bad throws, including a very uncharacteristic interception into double-coverage.
• I think the Isiah Peah stretch was a touchdown, but I'm surprised the call on the field was overturned.  The video replays that I've seen don't seem indisputable.  It was a stupid play.  It was 1st & goal early in the game.  No reason to risk a turnover as Pead did.
• Other than that, Pead had a FANTASTIC game.  He has speed and is shifty.  If the weather turns foul, UC will need to rely more on their running game.
• The defense didn't always look solid, but came up with the plays when they had to.
• I was impressed with the WVU fans at the game.  They had an excellent turnout and were very loud.  That being said, GO TO THE PITT GAME!!  Call 1-877-CATS-TIX to see if UC still has any of their allotment left, or buy tickets online thru Pitt.  Tickets are only $30 and its only a 4.5 hour drive.  A big turnout would help inspire the team and show the bowls that UC fans will travel.
• Extended highlights here:
  
  
  

Pike not ready, Collaros to start vs West Virginia

After stating on Monday that Tony Pike would start at QB for the Bearcats on Friday night against West Virigina if he was healthy, coach Brian Kelly announced today that Pike was not ready, so Zach Collaros will start instead. Since Collaros has played so well in relief, "it's allowed us now to set the bar a little bit higher for Tony in a sense that now we don't have to put him back there until he's 100 percent. He's not quite there yet." Kelly said.

Kelly said that Pike would get into the game is some capacity, but wouldn't disclose his role, saying he wanted to keep it a secret as "a tactical advantage." Regardless of who plays QB the Bearcats offense has operated at a consistently high level. For a team striving for a Big East title, undefeated season, and possible national championship game it's a nice problem to have.

Pike to start versus West Virginia

At his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Bearcats coach Brian Kelly indicated that Tony Pike will start at quarterback for UC against West Virginia this Friday, provided that he is healthy.

Kelly said that it was a difficult decision, but that he chose Pike because his entire body of work outweighs what Zach Collaros has done in relief the past 3 weeks.

I agree with this decision to a point. On one hand, a starter who is performing as well as Pike was before his injury should not lose his job because of injury. On the other hand, the team is on a roll and very comfortable with Collaros. I would hate to see another QB change disrupt team chemistry. I don't think it will.

What I would love to see is an offense like Florida used to run with Tim Tebow and Chris Leak where both Pike and Collaros would share time behind center. This would force defenses to game plan for both quarterbacks and switch tactics on the fly. You could even line both of them up side-by-side in the shotgun. The defense wouldn't know who was getting the ball. If it was Pike, Collaros is athletic enough to be an effective receiver out of the backfield. If Collaros took the snap, defenses wouldn't know if he was going to run or pass.

Brian Kelly has often been called an offensive genius. I can't see him completely benching Zach Collaros with the way he's played and the versatility he brings to the position. We will find out on Friday.

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 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.

Post-game thoughts on Cincinnati @ South Florida

It was a great win for the Bearcats, despite the injury to Tony Pike. As I said earlier, I think the ability to win without Pike showed the Bearcat's depth and versatility and the genius of coach Brian Kelly to succesfully adapt his offense to fit the situation and personnel.

I previously listed my keys to the game. So how did UC do?:

1. Take the crowd out of it--UC did not do a great job of this, as they even fell behind early. The crowd didn't quiet down until Zach Collaros stunned them with his 75 yard run, but then he charged them back up again with his interception. Despite the noise and frenzy, the Bearcats didn't get rattled.

2. Neutralize the pass rush--UC did a pretty good job of this. Bearcats left tackle Jeff Linkenbach held his own against George Selvie. Jason Pierre-Paul caused some problems, and of course Tony Pike took some hits.

3. Take what the defense give you--this is a Brian Kelly specialty. Mardy Gilyard was not a major factor in the game, instead Armon Binns had two TDs and is emerging as another nice weapon in the Cincinnati arsenal.

4. Get off the field--the Bearcats defense was hugely improved in this area. USF converted only 4 of 16 third downs and held the ball for only 28:42 versus UCs 31:18.

#8 Cincinnati @ #21 South Florida--Great win for the Bearcats!

UC struggled early, but made the needed adjustments and came up with a big win. BJ Daniels was impressive, but Zach Collaros was awesome, and the Bearcars prevail 34-17.

I hope Tony Pike is able to come back from his injury soon, but I think that this game showed the depth of the Bearcats talent, and their ability to adapt to their oppenent and the circumstances.

UC @ USF - Keys to the game for UC & prediction

Cincinnati faces a big test against a good team in a hostile environment. To come away with the win against South Florida, the Bearcats need to:

1. Take the crowd out of it--If the offense can get some early scores and the defense some early stops, the Bulls homefield advantage would be minimized.

2. Neutralize the pass rush--USF features a very talented defensive line. Quick passes and a rolling pocket will help take the pressure off Tony Pike. UC could also run a bit more than usual to keep the D-line on their heels.

3. Take what the defense give you--Miami (OH) very effectively double-teamed Mardy Gilyard. If USF does the same the Bearcats need to be patient, not force the ball, and look for one of their other playmakers. Could be a big night for DJ Woods, Armon Binns, or Isiah Pead.

4. Get off the field--The defense has been great on 1st and 2nd downs, but not so much on 3rd, with opponents converting nearly 50 percent of the time. The defense needs to get stops and get off the field so the offense can get the ball and have a more balanced time of possession.

My prediction: Bearcats lead throughout, and its close at the half, but in the end UC just has more talent and pulls away.
Cincinnati 31 South Florida 20

#8 Cincinnati at #21 South Florida Preview

When the #8 Cincinnati Bearcats travel to Tampa Bay to take on the #21 South Florida Bulls Thursday night it will be the biggest game of the season for both teams. Alot is riding on this game, both for the teams and the Big East Conference. For the teams, its a chance to take sole possession of first place in the Big East. While both teams have some tough games ahead, both will likely be favored in every remaining game, so the stakes in this one are huge. This is the game that could decide the Big East (of course West Virginia, Pitt, & UConn might disagree). The Bearcats want to show that they belong in the top 10 and maybe even the national championship discussion, while the Bulls want to show that they can play well consistently after starting 5-0 the last two season followed by several in conference losses.

For the Big East Conference, this game is a chance to gain some respect by showing off two quality football teams before a national television audience (ESPN).

This should be a great game as each team matches strength against strength. The Bearcats offense ranks 6th nationally in pass offense (329.8 yds/gm) while the Bulls defense has the best pass defense in the Big East (158.2 yds/gm). UC ranks #3 in scoring at 42 points per game, while the USF defense is #5 in points allowed at 9.5 points per game. The Bulls defense, led by former UC defensive coordinator Joe Tresey, has 16 take-aways, while the UC offense has only turned the ball over 3 times this season. USF has two potential first round NFL draft picks in DEs George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul, while the Bearcats offensive line has only given up 3 sacks all season.

Despite the apparent statistical stalemate, I think the Bearcats have the edge here. This is by far the most talented team South Florida has faced. QB Tony Pike has a terrific grasp of the offense, a quick release, and great accuracy. The no-huddle, spread offense should wear down the USF defense as the game goes on. Plus, this isn't just the Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard show. UC has offensive touchdowns scored by 10 different players this season, and in the end that is just too many weapons for South Florida to stop.

Not as much has been made about the matchup between the South Florida offense and Cincinnati defense, but this is another area where I think Cincinnati has the edge. Again, this will be the most talented defense USF has faced. For Cincinnati, the Bulls probably are the best passing offense they have faced, so this could be a test for the secondary. The Bearcats run defense has faced two of the top running backs in the nation, but still rank 25th in the nation, yielding just over 100 yards per game, and should be able to handle USF on the ground.

For the Bulls, QB BJ Daniels has done a great job stepping in for injured Matt Groethe. He's a dual threat to run or pass, which could cause headaches for Cincy. The Bearcats however, lead the nation in tackles for loss (10 per game) and sacks (4.2 per game) and should be able to get to Daniels against an average Bulls offensive line.

Tony Pike interview

I hate bye weeks.  Not sure what to do with myself with no game today. 
Here's an interview with Tony Pike on ESPN from earlier this week:

Brian Kelly on ESPN First Take

You can also watch this here.

Tony Pike for Heisman T-shirts

Support the efforts of Tony Pike for the Heisman Trophy with this shirt.

At checkout use the code "BEARCATS" for 15% off your entire order!  Order here.

We got the Power

Rivals.com features several bearcats in their player power rankings.

Tony Pike is ranked #5 QB
Mardy Gliyard is #1 WR & #10 Special teams player
Alex Daniels debuts on the list as #25 DL
Brian Kelly is #7 Head Coach