The Bearcats played host to the Rutgers Scarlett Knights at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11. This was not only their Homecoming game, but the first Big East game of the year for Cincinnati. They emerged victorious, edging Rutgers 13-10, with the help of freshman quarterback Chazz Anderson and a stellar defense. Player of the game honors has to go to UC’s punter Kevin Huber. An All-American last year, he had a career best 64-yard punt. Huber notched six punts inside Rutgers’ 20-yard line and kicked a pair of field goals, one for 44 yards, the other for 56. His foot turned out to be the difference in the game.
The game was more of a defensive tug-of-war than a highlight reel; there is undoubtedly something special about the University of Cincinnati’s special teams.
Connor Barwin, who had two sacks and broke up a pass for the Bearcats, went on to say of Huber, “They have to go 98 yards to score. That’s hard to do. It all works together. That’s what you’ve got to do to win games.” And win they did, even with a scrappy offense.
It appeared as if the entire University came out to support the team, and how could they not with clear blue skies and temperature hovering around 80 degrees?
The atmosphere was optimistic and cheerful, something that is still relatively new for Bearcat football fans since the arrival of head coach Brian Kelly.
The next two games for the Bearcats will be very challenging. On Oct. 25, they will head to Connecticut to play Big East rival Huskies.
Things don’t get any easier when five days later they head back to Nippert to host #19 Florida, a game that will air nationally on ESPN.
On Halloween fans are encouraged to wear nothing but black in what will be considered a ‘black out.’ I personally hope to see you all there. If the Cats keep this momentum alive, a top 25 ranking and bowl game surely awaits.