2009 football GAME NOTES

TM ffProudly . Tower of Strength. Rock of Truth.

CINCINNATI SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS: RICHARD E. LINDNER CENTER u 2751 O’VARSITY WAY, SUITE 860 u CINCINNATI, 45221-0021 u (P) 513.556.5191 u (F) 513.556.0619

75th FEDEX No. 12/12 cincinnati vs. no. 21/19 jan. 1, 2009 • dolphin (72,230) • miami, fla. • fox TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Media Information...... 2 Maps & Directions...... 3 Dolphin Stadium...... 4 Bowl Preview...... 5-7 Game Capsules...... 8-9 Depth Chart...... 10 Rosters...... 11-12 Game Notes...... 13-22 2008 Opponents...... 23 Football History...... 24-27 NFL Cats...... 28-29 The 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl marks UC’s first trip to Miami since Oct. 7, 1989 when the Bearcats met the Miami Hurricanes at Orange Bowl Stadium. The began the public PLAYER PROFILES media information phase of the largest fund-raising campaign in the The Bearcats...... 30-53 university’s history on Oct. 25. The Campaign for the The University of Cincinnati Sports Communications Office will be represented at University of Cincinnati plans to raise $800 million in the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl by primary football contact Ryan Koslen (513-497- funds to support UC’s vision of becoming the finest COACHING STAFF 3132) and secondary contact Lara Thornton (513-295-4520). public urban research university in the country. Head Coach Brian Kelly...... 54-56 uc football team headquarters Assistant Coaches & Support Staff...... 57-59 Fontainebleau Miami Beach This ambitious strategy will be achieved through six initiatives that together will position President Dr. Nancy Zimpher...... 60 4441 Collins Ave UC as the finest public urban research university for the 21st Century: Miami Beach, FL 33140 ff 21st Century Learning Director of Athletics Mike Thomas...... 61 Phone: (305) 538-2000 ff Health in the 21st Century ff Science and Technology in the 21st Century 2008 IN REVIEW uc football PRACTICE FACILITY ff Arts, Design, and the Humanities in the 21st Century ff Urban Solutions for the 21st Century Game Results...... 62 Barry University 11300 NE 2nd Ave. ff The UC Experience Individual Statistics...... 62-63 Miami Shores, FL 33161 Ryan Koslen Lara Thornton Defensive Statistics...... 64 Learn more about Proudly Cincinnati at www.proudlycincinnati.org. Game-by-Game Statistics...... 65-68 credits Superlatives...... 69 ON THE COVER ... Starters...... 70 editor: Ryan Koslen Head coach Brian Kelly and seniors (l-r), Participation...... 71 Dustin Grutza, Terrill Byrd, , assistant Editors: John Berry, Mike Harris, Jeremy Martin, Lara Thornton , Dominick Goodman, Individual Season/Career Stats...... 73-76 and DeAngelo Smith are pictured with Contributing: Josh Katzowitz, Jeff Wallner Red Zone...... 77 the Victory Bell, Keg Of Nails, BIG EAST Conversions...... 78-79 Layout & Design: Ryan Koslen & Lara Thornton Championship and River City Rivalry Scoring Drives...... 80 Trophies.

Long Plays...... 81 Cover Design: Lara Thornton bowl_covers.indd 1 12/15/2008 5:34:50 PM Game Recaps...... 82-88 Photography: Brett Hansbauer, Jeff Harwell, Ashley Kempher (Cover Photo), The Last Time...... 89 Wayne Litmer, UC Photographic Services Situational Record...... 90 The 2009 Cincinnati Football FedEx Orange Bowl Guide is a product of the UC HISTORY Sports Communications office, Mike Harris director. Bowl Games...... 91 Game-by-Game...... 92-95 adidas is the official footwear and apparel supplier for the Bowl Records...... 95-96 University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics.

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 1 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST media information Official Team Headquarters SPORTS Communications REPRESENTATIVES BOWL WEEK INTERVIEWS ff The University of Cincinnati football team will be headquartered cINCINNATI ff Please see the schedule below for media availability in Miami. at the Fontainebleau Resort & Spa located on 4441 Collins Ave, Ryan Koslen, Associate Director (Primary FB Contact) ff All interviews with UC coaches, student-athletes and staff MUST Miami Beach, FL 33140. ff Mobile: 513-497-3132 • Email: [email protected] be coordinated through the sports communications office. ff Barry University will serve as the team’s practice site. Lara Thornton, Associate Director (Secondary FB Contact) ff Contact either Ryan Koslen (513-497-3132) or Lara Thornton ff Mobile: 513-295-4520 • Email: [email protected] (513-295-4520) to make arrangements. Official Media Headquarters Mike Harris, Asst. AD/Sports Communications (Gameday) ff Interviews will not be permitted at the team hotel. ff The Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa located 3030 Holiday ff Mobile: 513-240-8884 • Email: [email protected] Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 will serve as the official media ff Website: www.GoBEARCATS.com PRACTICES headquarters for the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl. ff Cincinnati will practice at the Buccaneer Field complex on the ff The media workroom is located in Salon F at the Marriott Harbor campus of Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla. Beach’s third floor convention center. ff All practices are closed to the general public, but selected ff All team and bowl materials will be available in the headquarters, as workouts will be open to the media. well as daily practice reports, schedule updates, notes and quotes. ff UC head coach Brian Kelly and selected players will be available Ryan Koslen Lara Thornton Mike Harris ff The room will be equipped with desktop computers, high-speed for interviews following practice. internet connectivity and a laser printer. ff There is a parking area (off of 115th Street at NW 1st Ave) ff The room also contains telephones, of which all long distance VIRGINIA TECH adjacent to the tennis courts on the northwest side of the Health phone calls must be made through calling cards/credit cards. Dave Smith, Director of Athletics Communications & Sports Center where media will be able to park. ff The workroom will be open on Sunday, Dec. 28 through ff Mobile: 540-998-5905 • Email: [email protected] ff From the parking areas, there is a walkway that takes you out to Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 1 Bryan Johnston, Associate Director Buccaneer Field where the practice area is located. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Friday, Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. ff Mobile: 540-998-5908 • Email: [email protected] ff Website: www.HokieSports.com GameDay Multimedia Services CREDENTIALS ff Complimentary wireless, hard-wire and high-speed internet ff Credentials are granted at the sole and exclusive discretion of ORANGE BOWL access will be available in the press box, auxiliary press area and the FedEx Orange Bowl. Larry Wahl, Vice President, Media and Public Relations Digital Media room. ff All media credentials may be picked-up at the Official Media ff Mobile: 305-613-3196 • Email: [email protected] Headquarters of the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl in Salons G - J of Meesha Emmett, Communications Assistant POSTGAME the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa third floor convention ff Office: 305-341-4785 • Email: [email protected] ff After a brief cooling off period, head coach Brian Kelly and center. ff Website: www.OrangeBowl.org selected players will be made available to the media in the ff On game day, media credentials may be claimed at the Media designated interview area at Dolphin Stadium. Will-Call (located in the Media Area between Gates F & G of TRAVEL ITINERARY ff Per regulations, the UC locker room Dolphin Stadium) beginning at 4:00 PM. ff Cincinnati will travel to Miami via charter air service on Dec. 26. will be open to the media for a minimum of 30 minutes after the ff Questions regarding credentials should be directed to Larry Wahl UC’s travel party will depart Cincinnati at 1 p.m. and arrive at postgame cooling off period ends. (305-341-4718/[email protected]). Miami International Airport at 3:30 p.m. ff Proper identification is required at pick-up. ff NO MEDIA CREDENTIALS WILL BE MAILED. MEDIA AVAILABILITY DATE | TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION OPEN | CLOSED INTERVIEWS Friday, Dec. 26 3:30 p.m. Team Arrival Miami International Airport Open Coach Kelly available for brief interviews

Saturday, Dec. 27 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Practice Barry University Open Photo/Video First 20 minutes; Coach Kelly and selected players available post practice 2-2:15 p.m. Beach BBQ Fontainebleau Beachfront Open 15 minute photo opportunity

Sunday, Dec. 28 9:30-10:15 Press Conference Marriott Harbor Beach Open Defensive Coordinator Joe Tresey & six players available 1-3 p.m. Practice Barry University Open Photo/Video First 20 minutes; Coach Kelly and selected players available post practice 6:30-6:45 p.m. Team Dinner Fogo de Chao - Miami Beach Open 15 minute photo opportunity

Monday, Dec. 29 8:30-9:15 Press Conference Marriott Harbor Beach Open Offensive Coordinator & six players available 9-11 a.m. Hospital Visit Miami Veteran’s Hospital Open Coach Kelly & selected players available for brief interviews 2:45-4:45 p.m. Practice Barry University Open Photo/Video First 20 minutes; Coach Kelly and selected players available post practice

Tuesday, Dec. 30 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. AvMed Coaches Luncheon Loew’s Miami Beach Open Coach Kelly will speak at the luncheon

Wednesday, Dec. 31 9:15-10:45 a.m. Press Conference Marriott Harbor Beach Open Coach Kelly Press Conference 4-4:45 p.m. Pep Rally Hyatt Bayside Open Coach Kelly & selected players will speak at event

Thursday, Jan. 1 8 p.m. 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl Dolphin Stadium Open Coach Kelly & requested players available postgame

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 2 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST MAPS & DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS TO DOLPHIN STADIUM From Miami (POINTS SOUTH) ff I-95 North, to North on the Florida Turnpike, to Exit # 2X (Dolphin Toll Plaza), to Dolphin Stadium ff I-95 North to Ives Dairy Road, West on Ives Dairy Road for approximately 5 miles, Dolphin Stadium will be on your right ff North on the Palmetto Expressway (Route 826) to NW 27th Avenue (Route 817), proceed North on NW 27th Avenue to NW 199th Street ( Boulevard), turn right at NW 199th Street to Stadium

From Ft. Lauderdale (POINTS NORTH) ff Florida Turnpike South to Exit # 2X (Dolphin Stadium Toll Plaza) to the east side of Dolphin Stadium ff Florida Turnpike South to Exit # 47 (27th Avenue/ University Drive); south on 27th Avenue/ University Drive to the west side of Dolphin Stadium ff I-95 South to Ives Dairy Road, head west (right) for 5 miles; Dolphin Stadium will be on your right hand side.

GAMEDAY MEDIA SHUTTLE ff The Orange Bowl Committee Media Relations Office will provide a courtesy shuttle from the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa Convention Center to Dophin Stadium on gameday. ff Shuttles will run at the top of each hour from 3-6 p.m. Shuttles will pick up members of the media at the downstairs entrance of the Marriott and drop off near Gate F. ff Following the game, the shuttle service will transport members of the media to the Marriott one hour after the conclusion of the game. media information ... ff The shuttle, which will pick up at Gate G, will run at the top of each hour through 3 a.m. DOLPHIN STADIUM CINCINNATI PRACTICE FACILITY 2269 Dan Marino Blvd. Barry University Satellite Parking Miami Gardens, FL 33056 11300 NE 2nd Ave. ff Satellite truck parking will be in the parking area Phone: (305) 623-6100 Miami Shores, FL 33161 outside Gate A (West end of the Stadium). Web: DolphinStadium.com Dennis Jezek, Jr., Sports Information Director Phone: (305) 827-8239 • Email: [email protected] Live Telecasts CINCINNATI TEAM HEADQUARTERS ff On game day, non-originating telecasters may Fontainebleau Miami Beach VIRGINIA TECH PRACTICE FACILITY originate live programming from the field until 4441 Collins Ave Nova Southeastern University approximately 40 minutes before kickoff. Miami Beach, FL 33140 3301 College Ave. ff Live programming may resume after Fox has Phone: (305) 538-2000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 discontinued its live coverage after the game. ff Television stations or networks may use a maximum of three minutes of taped footage on VIRGINIA TECH TEAM HEADQUARTERS MEDIA HEADQUARTERS news programs only after Fox has discontinued Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa its live coverage after the game. 3555 South Ocean Dr. 303 Holiday Drive ff All footage must contain the Fox Sports logo Hollywood, FL 33019 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 throughout and must be accompanied by the Phone: (954) 602-8930 Phone: (954) 525-4000 graphic “Courtesy Fox Sports.”

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 3 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST dolphin stadium

DOLPHIN STADIUM DOLPHIN STADIUM QUICK FACTS Entering its 21st year of operation, Dolphin Stadium, originally known as Stadium, FedEx Orange Bowl Capacity...... 72,230 was the first of its kind to be constructed entirely with private funds. The late Joe Robbie led the Opening Date...... August 16, 1987 financing campaign to build “Joe Robbie Stadium”(JRS) for the of the National Project Cost...... $115 Million Dollars Football League (NFL). Project Site Area...... 160 acres On March 7, 1990, H. Wayne Huizenga, then Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Architect ...... HOK Sports Facilities Group (Kansas City, MO) Officer of Blockbuster Video and Huizenga Holdings Inc., agreed to purchase fifty percent of Joe Playing Surface...... Prescription Athletic Turf (Natural Grass) Robbie Stadium and became the point man in the drive to bring Major League to South Drainage...... Firm Playing Surface Within 30 Minutes of a 3” Per Hour Rain Florida. That effort was rewarded in July of 1991, when South Florida was awarded a National Lighting For Playing Field...... 560 Metal Halide (150+ foot candles at playing field) League expansion franchise. On January 24, 1994, Mr. Huizenga acquired the remaining fifty percent of the stadium to give him complete ownership. Since 1991, more than $250 million POSTSEASON GAMES AT DOLPHIN STADIUM have been spent to upgrade and renovate the stadium. 1996 FedEx Orange Bowl (12/31/96)...... Nebraska 41, Virginia Tech 21 In April 2006, Dolphins Enterprises CEO Joe Bailey, announced and unveiled the new 1998 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/02/98)...... Nebraska 42, Tennessee 17* stadium logo and modified name. The stadium name was changed to Dolphin Stadium, and 2000 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/02/00)...... Michigan 35, Alabama 34 (OT) a new, modern-looking dolphin in orange, teal, blue and platinum colors with the words 2001 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/03/01)...... Oklahoma 13, Florida State 2* Dolphin Stadium was unveiled as the new stadium logo. Also unveiled were the two largest 2002 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/02/02)...... Florida 56, Maryland 23 hi-definition video boards in professional sports and a new fascia LED ribbon-board, the largest 2003 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/02/03)...... USC 38, Iowa 17 in the world. 2004 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/01/04)...... Miami (Fla.) 16, Florida State 14 In 2007, Dolphin Stadium completed a historic transformation, unlike any stadium has 2005 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/04/05)...... USC 55, Oklahoma 19* experienced in the . Working with HOK Sport and Stiles Corporation, both 2006 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/03/06)...... Penn State 26, Florida State 23 (3OT) renowned in their respective fields of design and construction, the stadium underwent $250 2007 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/02/07)...... Louisville 24, Wake Forest 13 million in renovations and improvements. The new Dolphin Stadium has solidified its place as 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl (01/03/08)...... Kansas 24, Virginia Tech 21 the premier stadium of the Americas. *-National Championship

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 4 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST bowl preview

ON THE PROWL ... BEARCATS LOOK FOR ORANGE BOWL CROWN IN MIAMI he University of Cincinnati football team, winners of the 2008 BIG EAST Championship, accepted a bid to the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl on Dec. 7, setting up a matchup with Virginia Tech, the Atlantic Coast Conference Champion, on Jan. 1 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. The Bearcats (11-2) will make their first-ever trip to a Bowl Championship Series game and Twill play on Jan. 1 for the first time since the Sun Bowl on Jan. 1, 1951. The game will be televised nationally on FOX. STREAKS, STORYLINES, SIDEBARS

ff UC clinched its first BIG EAST title and will play in a Bowl ff Connor Barwin has amassed 11 sacks this season, leading Championship Series game, the 75th FedEx Orange Bowl on the BIG EAST and ranking 14th nationally (0.9 spg). He was Jan. 1 in Miami, Fla., for the first time in school history. named first-team all-BIG EAST. ff UC is ranked No. 12 in both the Associated Press poll, USA ff Mardy Gilyard leads the league and ranks 10th in the NCAA Today Coaches Poll, and Bowl Championship Series rankings, FBS averaging 28.4 yards per kickoff return. He was named its highest ranking in all three polls in school history. the BIG EAST’s Special Teams Player of the Year. He was also ff Under second-year coach Brian Kelly, Cincinnati now has its a first-team all-BIG EAST honoree at both and second straight 10-win season. Before Kelly arrived, Cincinnati kick returner. had exactly one 10-win season (1951). ff became the first two-time Associated Press First- ff UC had one of the longest seasons in college football as it Team All-America selection in school history. Huber was also played one of the first games of the season on Aug. 28 and the named a first-team all-American by the AFCA, FWAA, SI.com, last game of the season at Hawai’i on Dec. 6. Phil Steele, and Rivals.com. ff UC has used five this season, , ff UC had three AP All-America honorees for the first time in , Dustin Grutza, Demetrius Jones, and . school history as Huber was joined by second-team selection ff Despite the different signal callers, UC ranks second in the Trevor Canfield and third-team honoree . BIG EAST in passing offense (254.1) and passing efficiency ff Since losing a halftime lead and dropping a 29-13 decision to (139.4). Virginia Tech in 2006, Cincinnati has been on a tear, winning ff Pike ranks second in the league in passing efficiency (141.1). 28 of its past 35 games. ff The UC defense has produced 33 sacks in its last 10 games ff UC led the nation in net punting average (41.5), and Kevin after recording four in the first three games of the season. Huber led the BIG EAST in punting for the second-straight year.

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 5 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST bowl preview game 14 • 2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL schedule/results (11-2, 6-1 BIG EAST) No. 12/12 cincinnati vs. no. 21/19 virginia tech AUGUST jan. 1, 2009 • dolphin stadium (72,230) • miami, fla. • fox 28 Eastern Kentucky W, 40-7

setting the scene SEPTEMBER 6 at No. 4/4 Oklahoma (ABC) L, 52-26 THE 75th FEDEX ORANGE BOWL 20 Miami (Oh) (ESPN360) W, 45-20 27 at Akron (FSN Ohio) W, 17-15 Series: Tied at 4-4 OCTOBER  Last Meeting: No. 11 Va. Tech 29, UC 13 3 at Marshall (ESPN) W, 33-10 Sept. 23, 2006 • Lane Stadium virginia tech HOKIES 11 Rutgers * (BE Network) W, 13-10 25 at Connecticut * (BE Network) L, 40-16 Television: FOX 2008 Record: 11-2 2008 Record: 9-4 30 NO. 24/23 USF * (ESPN) W, 24-10 Thom Brennaman (PXP), Ranking (AP/Coaches): 12/12 Ranking (AP/Coaches): 21/19 Charles Davis (ANA), Chris Myers (SL) Last Game: Dec. 6, 2008 Last Game: Dec. 6, 2008 NOVEMBER W, 29-24 at Hawai’i W, 30-12 vs. College 8 at No. 20/23 West Virginia * (ESPNU) W, 26-23 (OT) Radio: 700 WLW Head Coach: Brian Kelly Head Coach: Frank Beamer Dan Hoard (PXP), Jim Kelly, Jr. (ANA) 14 at Louisville * (ESPN2) W, 28-20 Tom Gelehrter (SL), & Mo Egger (Host/ENG) Career Record: 159-56-2 Career Record: 218-112-4 22 No. 20/19 Pittsburgh * (ESPN2) W, 28-21 vs. Virginia Tech: First Meeting vs. UC: 4-1 29 Syracuse * (BE Network) W, 30-10 Radio: ESPN Radio Ron Franklin (PXP), Ed Cunningham (ANA) STATISTICAL LEADERS STATISTICAL LEADERS DECEMBER Jack Arute (SL) Rushing Jacob Ramsey Rushing Darren Evans 6 at Hawai’i (ESPN2) W, 29-24 148 car., 674 yds., 2 TD 259 car., 1,112 yds., 10 TD Passing Tony Pike Passing Tyrod Taylor JANUARY 183-for-291, 7 Int., 2,168 yds., 18 TD 86-for-151, 6 Int., 896 yds., 2 TD 75th FedEx Orange Bowl (Miami, fLA.) Receiving Mardy Gilyard Receiving Danny Coale 1 vs. No. 21/19 Virginia Tech (FOX) 8 p.m. 74 rec., 1,118 yds., 10 TD 33 rec., 356 yds., 0 TD *-BIG EAST game; Home games in BOLD CAPS, played at ; All times Eastern and subject to change. GOBEARCATS.COM PROFILES THE BEARCATS | BY JOSH KATZOWITZ In August, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats thought they had figured out their offensive personnel. Although it didn’t BIG EAST CHAMPIONS appear as if former , who had one of the best seasons by a signal-caller in UC history the year before, would ff The University of Cincinnati football team clinched a return for a sixth year of eligibility, coach Brian Kelly was confident with Dustin Grutza. berth in the Bowl Championship Series and the BIG EAST Grutza had started his first two seasons at UC and had played a capable backup to Mauk during the Bearcats 10-3 season in Championship on Nov. 29. 2007. Sure enough, Grutza was extremely effective in the season-opening victory against Eastern Kentucky, but vs. Oklahoma the ff UC won its first outright football conference championship next week, he broke his leg. since 1964 when the Bearcats won the Missouri Valley Thus began the quarterback carousal that would continue revolving throughout the season. Conference. Tony Pike, who narrowly had lost the starter’s job to Grutza, entered and led the Bearcats to ff The football team is the first squad at UC to win an a victory against rival Miami, but he broke his non-throwing hand against Akron and had to be outright conference championship since the Bearcats relieved by redshirt freshman Zach Collaros. The next two games, redshirt freshman Chazz Anderson men’s team in 2001-02. started and played well enough to beat Marshall and Rutgers. ff The Bearcats were co-champions of Conference USA in By the time of the South Florida game, Pike was healthy enough to play most of the contest, and 2002 along with TCU. although Grutza has had to relieve an injured Pike twice late in the season – Grutza led the Bearcats ff UC is 6-4 all-time in bowl games and will play in January on scoring drives to help knock off Louisville and Hawaii – the Bearcats have played remarkably well for the fourth time in school history (2-1) despite the fact they’ve competed with five quarterbacks this season (Demetrius Jones took one snap in the Louisville game). Pike, a Cincinnati native, earned second-team all-BIG EAST honors, no small feat considering he Tony Pike did not appear on UC’s depth chart entering fall camp. The quarterbacks, of course, have had some help from their receivers. Senior Dominick Goodman has had a standout season, catching a team-high 78 passes for 977 yards and seven scores and breaking the school’s career receptions record with 22 in the process. Meanwhile, Mardy Gilyard – named the conference’s special teams player of the year – also has proven himself as one of the best receivers in the BIG EAST by recording 74 catches for a school-record 1,118 yards and 10 . Gilyard was a first-team all-BIG EAST selection at both wide receiver and kick returner while Goodman earned a second-team spot at wideout. The Bearcats, who would like to see more success from their running game, have had nice contributions from Jacob Ramsey and John Goebel. Together, the duo has gained more than 1,200 Mardy Gilyard yards and managed nine scores. Lately, though, true freshman Isaiah Pead had given the offense a

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 6 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST bowl preview POSTSEASON HONORS nice boost, using his speed and shiftiness to average 6.6 yards per carry. The offensive line also has played an important role in allowing UC to average 375.3 yards of total National Awards offense per game. Senior guard Trevor Canfield, a second-team selection to the All-BIG EAST squad, AFCA All-America Team has been a consistent factor for UC the past three seasons. He’s started 38-straight games, and this Kevin Huber, P year, with the help of center Chris Jurek, tackles Jeff Linkenbach and Khalil El-Amin, and first-year guard , the offensive line has played well. AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year Brian Kelly

FWAA All-America Team Kevin Huber, P Kevin Huber Associated Press All-America First Team Kevin Huber, P

Associated Press All-America Second Team Trevor Canfield, OG

Associated Press All-America Third Team Mike Mickens, CB

Phil Steele All-America First Team Kevin Huber, P

Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team Trevor Canfield Mardy Gilyard, KR DEFENSE Perhaps the biggest surprise for UC’s defense was set into motion before spring practice began. Rivals.com All-America First Team That’s when Kelly informed Connor Barwin that he would be moving to the defensive side of the Mardy Gilyard, KR ball. During his three-year UC career prior to that moment, Barwin had played as a and had recorded 52 catches for 691 yards and five touchdowns in his career. Rivals.com All-America First Team But now, Kelly was asking him to sacrifice for the greater good of the team, which was losing Kevin Huber, P standouts Anthony Hoke and Angelo Craig from the defensive line. Kelly was asking Barwin to move to defensive end. Rivals.com All-America Third Team Though some were skeptical at first – after all, Barwin is a potential NFL player, so moving him Mike Mickens, CB to defense in his final year with the Bearcats might prove detrimental to his future professional Sporting News All-America Second Team plans – the move has paid off handsomely for the Bearcats. In fact, former player Mike Daniels, who Kevin Huber, P Lamonte Nelms graduated last season, called Kelly’s idea a stroke of genius and perhaps the most impressive decision he’s made since he was hired after the 2006 regular season. Sporting News BIG EAST Coach of the Year Barwin enters the Orange with 11 sacks, two off Hoke’s school season record set last Brian Kelly year, seven pass breakups and three blocked kicks – good enough to make the All-BIG EAST first team. Kelly’s move, turns out, was immensely successful. With Barwin and Lamonte Nelms – another Walter Camp All-America Second Team first-year starter who managed 6 ½ sacks and 14 tackles for a loss – in the defensive end slots, they’ve Mike Mickens, CB taken advantage of the strong play of defensive tackles Adam Hoppel and Terrill Byrd, both of whom combined for 7 ½ sacks this year. BIG EAST Honors Overall, UC recorded 35 sacks, tops in the BIG EAST. BIG EAST Coach of the Year As strong as the Bearcats are on the line, their secondary is equally as dangerous. Led by senior Brian Kelly Mike Mickens, an all-American last year, and DeAngelo Smith, the defensive backs BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year managed 16 this season. Moving to free safety, Brandon Underwood, a transfer from Mardy Gilyard, KR Ohio State, had a first-team all-BIG EAST worthy season, and, based on his hitting ability, Aaron DeAngelo Smith Webster won the strong safety job midway through the season and has been a solid player there First Team ever since. Connor Barwin, DE The experience factor for UC also plays an important role in its defensive abilities. The Bearcats Mardy Gilyard, KR & WR start 10 seniors on defense – the lone exception is Webster, a junior – and much of that experience Kevin Huber, P comes from the linebacker unit. Mike Mickens, CB Ryan Manalac, a two-year starter, patrols the middle of the UC defense and led the team with 74 Brandon Underwood, S total tackles, and Corey Smith, the strong-side linebacker, has accumulated 61 total tackles with two sacks and an . Second Team Terrill Byrd, DT But perhaps the biggest surprise in the linebacker unit is Torry Cornett on the weak side. He began Trevor Canfield, OL his career as a basketball player at Prairie View A&M, started 10 games as a freshman and finished the Dominick Goodman, WR season averaging 6.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest. But he transferred to UC to play football, Tony Pike, QB and for most of his sophomore and junior seasons, he performed on special teams. This year, though, Kelly moved him to linebacker, where he won a starting job and recorded 67 Torry Cornett tackles and a sack. Just one more contributor on a Bearcats defense that has led the team all season.

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 7 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST game capsules A GAME-BY-GAME LOOK AT THE HISTORIC 2008 CAMPAIGN | BY RYAN KOSLEN & JEFF WALLNER

Cincinnati 17, Akron 15 Jake Rogers’ 48-yard put the Bearcats ahead with 7:45 remaining in a comeback road win for the Bearcats. The Bearcats drove 42 yards in nine plays with redshirt freshman quarter- back Zach Collaros leading the offense. Collaros entered the game when Tony Pike suffered a broken left forearm in the fourth quarter. Collaros has a seven-yard, third-down scamper that put UC in field goal range. The victory wasn’t assured until Brad Jones intercepted a Chris Jac- quemain pass at the Akron 44 with 1:31 left. Prior to being injured, Pike was 23-of-34 for a career-best 320 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Mickens had a career-high 14 tackles, includ- ing 12 solo stops. He also added three pass breakups, and a tackle for a loss.

Cincinnati 40, Eastern Kentucky 7 Dustin Grutza was 21-for-28 passing for 296 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in the Bearcats’ season-opening victory before 26,913 fans at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati won its fourth consecutive season opener, while improving to 8-0 vs. Ohio Valley Conference op- ponents. Mardy Gilyard, who had never caught more than one pass in a game, had six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Dominick Goodman had 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Gilyard and Goodman were the first UC receiving due to break the 100 yard mark in the same game since Oct. 16, 1993. Justin Moore had his first career interception.

Oklahoma 52, Cincinnati 26 Sooners quarterback passed for 395 yards and five touchdowns. The Bearcats Cincinnati 33, Marshall 10 trailed 21-13 at halftime before OU pulled away by scoring three third- quarter TDs. Senior Redshirt freshman Chazz Anderson, making his first collegiate start, passed for 158 yards and quarterback Dustin Grutza was 19-of-29 for 218 yards and a touchdown before suffering a frac- rushed for a TD, leading UC to a key non-league road win. He finished the game 16-of-26 for 158 tured fibula in the third quarter. Mardy Gilyard returned a kickoff 97 yards for a TD, breaking one yards. Connor Barwin blocked a pair of punts, with one leading to a safety. Junior Jacob Ramsey of the longest return droughts in college football. UC’s last score on a kickoff return came 145 rushed for a career-high 99 yards. Dominick Goodman had TD catches of 14 and 7 yards and re- games ago in 1995. Gilyard finished with a BIG EAST record 246 return yards and a school-record corded a team-best 51 yards on six receptions. Mike Mickens, Cedric Tolbert, and Aaron Webster 365 all-purpose yards. Cincinnati forced OU quarterback Sam Bradford into a pair of intercep- all had interceptions for the Bearcats. Torry Cornett had a career-best nine tackles. Freshman tions. Brad Jones and Brandon Underwood picked up interceptions for UC. Isaiah Pead entered the game in the fourth quarter and gained 69 yards on 11-straight carries.

Cincinnati 13, Rutgers 10 Redshirt freshman Chazz Anderson, making his second career start, was 21-for-29 for 239 yards and had an 8-yard TD run as UC opened BIG EAST play with a win. Junior Jacob Ramsey rushed for 86 yards on 14 carries. Junior Kevin Huber punted nine times for a 46.4 average, and the defense held Rutgers to 62 yards rushing, helping the Bearcats overcome 12 penalties for 115 yards. Huber hit a career-best 64-yard punt in the game. The defense held Rutgers to two rushing yards and two first downs in the first half. Sophomore kicker Jake Rogers hit a pair of field goals, including a 50-yarder in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati did not record a passing touchdown for the first time this season. UC also saw its 19-game streak of forcing a turnover end.

Connecticut 40, Cincinnati 16 UConn scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to break open a close game. Tony Pike and Chazz Anderson combined to throw for 259 yards. Pike started for the first time since breaking his non-throwing arm back in September, but did not return after halftime due to numbness in his Cincinnati 45, Miami 20 left hand. Pike was 10-of-27 for 136 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Huskies’ Tony Pike, making his first career start, passed for 241 yards and three touchdowns in the 113th defense held Cincinnati to just 30 yards rushing. Jake Rogers hit three field goals, connecting meeting between the two schools. UC claimed the Victory Bell for the third-straight season in the from 29, 54, and 22 yards. His 54-yard kick was the third longest in BIG EAST history and second- nation’s longest non-conference rivalry. The school’s first meeting, on Dec. 8, 1888, was the first col- longest of his career. Rogers nailed a 55-yard kick as a freshman against Oregon State. Connor lege football game played in Ohio. Mike Mickens’ 72-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Barwin recorded his third blocked punt of the season. third of his career, prevented a second-half rally by the RedHawks. Pike threw touchdown passes to Mardy Gilyard, Ben Guidugli, and Kazeem Alli. John Goebel added a pair of rushing touchdowns and a 63-yard performance. Jake Rogers converted on UC’s first field-goal attempt of the season.

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2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 8 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST game capsules game in the fourth quarter with a bruised sternum. The win gave the Bearcats (8-2, 4-1) a half- game lead over idle West Virginia and No. 21 Pittsburgh. Dominick Goodman caught nine passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. The TD was the 21st of his career, tying him with Jim O’Brien for the school record. Dustin Grutza, playing for the first time since being injured at Oklahoma on Sept. 6, releived Pike and led UC on a five-play 72-yard drive that ended in six-yard scamper from John Goebel, putting UC up 28-20 with 6:29 left in the game.

Cincinnati 28, Pittsburgh 21 The Bearcats defeated Pitt for the first time in seven meetings before a crowd of 35,098, the largest in Nippert Stadium’s 106-year history. The Bearcats fans stormed the field prematurely with four seconds left in the game, retreated, and charged on again after Brandon Underwood ended Pitt’s multiple-lateral desperation play as time expired. UC took possession of the River City Rivalry Trophy, a four-foot tall, 96-pound affair, for the first time. Junior quarterback Tony Pike was nearly flawless, going 26-for-32 for 309 yards and three touchdowns, all to different receivers. Marcus Barnett caught his first TD pass of the season. Pike’s 39-yard TD pass to Mardy Gilyard put the Bearcats ahead 21-0. Cincinnati had a season-high seven sacks, helping them Cincinnati 24, South Florida 10 move within one victory of the BIG EAST championship. Dominick Goodman caught his 22nd Junior QB Tony Pike returned to the starting lineup and was 20-of-28 passing for 281 yards career touchdown pass, taking sole possession of the school record. UC wore red jerseys for the and two touchdowns in a victory over the 23rd-ranked Bulls. Mardy Gilyard had four receptions first time since 2003. for 98 yards and a touchdown. Despite allowing 356 total yards, the Bearcats twice held USF without points from inside the 10-yard line in the fourth quarter. Bulls QB Matt Grothe, who was pressured throughout, was 13-of-31 for 174 and three interceptions. Connor Barwin recorded his first touchdown of the season off a one-yard pass from Pike. Zach Collaros took over for Pike late in the game and led UC to key first downs running the ball to run out the clock. Mike Mickens had his 13th career interception in the game, setting the UC record.

Cincinnati 26, West Virginia 23 (OT) Mardy Gilyard returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, but that was just the beginning of the drama. The Bearcats led 20-9 with 1:11 remaining, but No. 20 West Virginia rallied with a touchdown, two-point conversion, on-side kick recovery and a game-tying 52- yard field goal by Pat McAfee on the final play of regulation. Trailing 23-20 in overtime, junior QB Tony Pike tossed a 2-yard TD pass to Kazeem Alli for the winning score. The Bearcats defeated WVU for just the second time in 17 meetings. UC had led 20-7 at the half, but mustered only three first downs in the second half. Thanks to a potent showing by the UC defense, WVU turned it over twice on downs inside the Bearcats10-yard line in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats held West Virginia to 98 yards rushing in the game, becoming the first team since Virginia Tech on Oct. 5, 2001 to hold the Mountaineers under 100 yards in a game. Gilyard’s 100-yard return tied Cincinnati 30, Syracuse 10 him with Walter Heuck (vs. Denison, 1910) for the longest in school history. It is the 13th 100- No. 16 Cincinnati clinched an outright BIG EAST championship and BCS Bowl berth, the first in yard touchdown return in BIG EAST history and the first since Louisville’s Trent Guy ran one back school history, with its fourth consecutive victory over Syracuse in the home finale at Nippert 100 yards on Sept. 15, 2007 against Kentucky. Stadium. Tony Pike passed for 272 yards and two touchdowns, John Goebel rushed for 67 yards and a TD, Mardy Gilyard had 11 receptions for 114 yards and Jake Rogers kicked three field goals, all in the second quarter. The crowd of 34,603 was the sixth-largest in UC history and stormed the field for the trophy presentation. The Bearcats averaged 31,964 fans this season, a school record. UC won its first outright conference football title since 1964. UC tied the school record with 10 wins, the second-straight season the Bearcats achieved that mark.

Cincinnati 29, Hawaii 24 The No. 13 Bearcats rallied from a 14-point deficit with 19 straight fourth-quarter points, in- cluding a 69-yard touchdown by Mardy Gilyard on a pass from Dustin Grutza with 4:42 remain- ing in their regular-season finale at . Gilyard took the swing pass, broke a tackle and sprinted the rest of the way, stunning the Warriors and the crowd. Grutza entered the game in relief of Tony Pike who suffered from dehydration in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati won 11 games for the first time in school history. Gilyard finished with seven catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. Jake Rogers kicked field goals of 53 and 44 yards. Brandon Underwood started the comeback with a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown. Delbert Ferguson made his first career reception in the second quarter for a one-yard touchdown. Isaiah Pead finished the game Cincinnati 28, Louisville 20 with a career-best 78 yards on eight carries. Corey Smith made the play in the end zone to give Cincinnati, ranked No. 22, remained in the hunt for a Big East title with a victory at Louisville, UC its second safety of the season. The game ended at about 10:15 p.m., or 3:15 a.m Sunday in ending a five-game losing streak against the Cards and winning back the Keg Of Nails for the Ohio, and closed college football’s regular season. first time since 2002. Tony Pike passed for 250 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the

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2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 9 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST

PRONUNCIATIONS Players  DEPTH CHART vs. No. 21/19 Virginia Tech Kazeem Alli...... Ka-ZEEM a-LEE Alex Apyan...... A-pee-un TM ...... R-mon Offense DEFENSE Terrill Byrd...... Tur-ELL Bird LT 71 Jeff Linkenbach 6-6 313 Jr.-2L DE 10 Lamonte Nelms 6-3 255 Sr.-2L Obadiah Cheatham...... O-ba-DIE-a 66 Sam Griffin 6-5 255 So.-SQ 89 Alex Daniels 6-3 260 Jr.-TR Zach Collaras...... CO-lair-us -or- 94 Rob Trigg 6-3 260 So.-1L Alex Delisi...... Da-LEE-see LG 60 Jason Kelce 6-3 295 So.-1L Drew Frey...... Fry 59 Alex Hoffman 6-7 280 Fr.-HS DT 67 Adam Hoppel 6-2 300 Sr.-2L Mardy Gilyard...... MAR-dee GIL-yard 90 Ricardo Mathews 6-3 290 Jr.-2L Dan Giordano...... GEE-or-dan-o C 56 Chris Jurek 6-2 290 Jr.-1L Kevin Greany ...... GREEN-ee 72 Evan Davis 6-4 260 Fr.-HS DT 95 Terrill Byrd 6-1 290 Sr.-3L Dustin Grutza...... GROOT-sa 40 John Hughes 6-3 300 Fr.-RS Ben Guidugli...... Ga-DOO-lee RG 76 Trevor Canfield 6-5 305 Sr.-3L Tomaz Hilton...... TOE-mahz 53 Randy Martinez 6-2 265 Fr.-RS DE 5 Connor Barwin 6-4 255 Sr.-3L Jason/Travis Kelce...... KEL-see 98 6-3 260 Jr.-SQ Jeff Linkenbach...... LINK-un-bok RT 79 Khalil El-Amin 6-4 312 Sr.-2L -or- 7 Craig Carey 6-4 251 Jr.-1L Ryan Manalac...... MAN-a-lack 68 Craig Parmenter 6-6 285 Fr.-RS Tahree McQueen...... Ti-REE WLB 49 Torry Cornett 6-2 235 Sr.-2L Lamonte Nelms...... la-MONT TE 19 Ben Guidugli 6-2 241 So.-1L 37 J.K. Schafer 6-1 220 Fr.-HS Quincy Quetant...... KWEE-tont 83 Kazeem Alli 6-2 260 Jr.-2L Andre Revels...... Rev-uls MLB 45 Ryan Manalac 6-0 235 Sr.-3L Luca Romeo...... ro-MAY-o Slot 85 Marcus Barnett 6-1 175 So.-1L 50 Andre Revels 6-0 240 Jr.-1L Mark Tabar...... TAY-bar 3 D.J. Woods 6-0 170 Fr.-HS Marcus Waugh...... wa SLB 42 Corey Smith 6-1 225 Sr.-3L WR 1 Mardy Gilyard 6-1 190 Jr.-2L 43 Robby Armstrong 6-2 223 So.-SQ coaches 80 Armon Binns 6-4 200 So.-1L -or- 38 Tomaz Hilton 6-3 215 Fr.-RS Joe Tresey...... tray-SEE Kerry Coombs...... combs WR 16 Dominick Goodman 6-1 210 Sr.-3L CB 21 Mike Mickens 6-0 190 Sr.-Sr. UC’S ROSTER BY CLASS 87 Charley Howard 6-3 205 So.-1L 32 Justin Moore 6-0 180 So.-SQ Freshmen...... 26 QB 15 Tony Pike 6-6 225 Jr.-1L SS 17 Aaron Webster 6-3 205 Jr.-2L Redshirt Freshmen...... 26 4 Dustin Grutza 6-2 215 Sr.-3L 18 Cedric Tolbert 6-0 205 Sr.-3L Sophomores...... 16 Juniors...... 16 RB 20 Jacob Ramsey 6-0 230 Jr.-2L FS 8 Brandon Underwood 6-1 190 Sr.-TR Seniors...... 18 -or- 22 John Goebel 6-1 225 So.-1L 25 Brad Jones 6-2 205 Jr.-2L UC’S ROSTER BY STATE 23 Isaiah Pead 5-11 185 Fr.-HS CB 6 DeAngelo Smith 6-0 190 Sr.-2L Ohio...... 61 FB 35 Marcus Waugh 6-0 260 Jr.-2L 9 Dominique Battle 6-0 175 Fr.-HS Michigan...... 12 3 Delbert Ferguson 6-1 230 Sr.-2L New Jersey...... 7 Florida...... 6 SPECIAL TEAMS Illinois...... 3 LS 93 Mike Windt 6-2 250 So.-1L P 47 Kevin Huber 6-1 220 Sr.-1L Indiana...... 3 96 Tom DeTemple 6-2 225 Fr.-RS 97 Jake Rogers 6-3 205 So.-1L Kentucky...... 3 Pennsylvania...... 2 H 47 Kevin Huber 6-1 220 Sr.-1L KOR 1 Mardy Gilyard 6-1 190 Jr.-2L Tennessee...... 2 12 Zach Collaros 6-1 205 Fr.-RS 22 John Goebel 6-1 225 So.-1L California...... 1 Maryland...... 1 PK 97 Jake Rogers 6-3 205 So.-1L PR 6 DeAngelo Smith 6-0 190 Sr.-2L Missouri...... 1 92 Brandon Yingling 6-1 200 Sr.-SQ 3 D.J. Woods 6-0 170 Fr.-HS

KO 97 Jake Rogers 6-3 205 So.-1L 92 Brandon Yingling 6-1 200 Sr.-SQ

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 10 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST THE GAME AT A GLANCE cincinnati quick facts VIRGINIA TECH quick facts Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Location: Blacksburg, Va. Founded: 1819 Founded: 1872 Nickname: Bearcats Nickname: Hokies Colors: Red & Black Colors: Chicago Maroon & Burnt Orange Conference: BIG EAST Conference: Atlantic Coast Enrollment: 36,518 Enrollment: 30,000 Stadium: Nippert Stadium (35,000) Stadium: Lane Stadium (66,233) President: Dr. Nancy Zimpher President: Dr. Charles W. Steger Director of Athletics: Mike Thomas Director of Athletics: Jim Weaver Football SID: Ryan Koslen (513-497-3132/[email protected]) Football SID: Dave Smith (540-231-6726/[email protected]) Website: GoBEARCATS.com Website: HokieSports.com

Football Information Football Information Offensive Formation: Spread Offensive Formation: Multiple Defensive Formations: 4-3 Defensive Formations: 4-3 Overall Record: 11-2 Overall Record: 9-4 Conference Record: 6-1 (BIG EAST Champions) Conference Record: 5-3 (ACC Champions) Ranking (AP/Coaches/BCS): 12/12/12 Ranking (AP/Coaches/BCS): 21/19/19

Coaching Staff Coaching Staff Name (Alma Mater, Year)...... Title Name (Alma Mater, Year)...... Title Brian Kelly (Assumption, ‘83)...... Head Coach Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech, ‘69)...... Head Coach Keith Gilmore (Wayne State, ‘85)...... Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Line Billy Hite (North Carolina, ‘74)...... Assoc. Head Coach/Running Backs Jeff Quinn (Elmhurst, ‘84)...... Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Bud Foster (Murray State, ‘81)...... Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Joe Tresey (Ohio State, ‘82)...... Defensive Coordinator Bryan Stinespring (James Madison, ‘86)...... Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Mike Elston (Michigan, ‘98)...... Special Teams Coord./Recruiting Coord./Tight Ends Jim Cavanaugh (William & Mary, 70)...... Recruiting Coordinator/Safeties/Outside Linebackers Kerry Coombs (Dayton, ‘83)...... Defensive Backs Torrian Gray (Virginia Tech, ‘96)...... Defensive Backfield Greg Forest (Ohio Northern, ‘92)...... Quarterbacks Curt Newsome (Emory & Henry, ‘82)...... Offensive Line Tim Hinton (Wilmington, 82)...... Running Backs Mike O’Cain (Clemson, ‘77)...... Quarterbacks Williams Inge (Iowa, ‘96)...... Linebackers Kevin Sherman (Ferrum College, ‘92)...... Wide Receivers Charley Molnar (Lock Haven, ‘84)...... Passing Game Coord./Wide Receivers Charley Wiles (Murray State, ‘87)...... Defensive Line Paul Longo (Wayne State, ‘81)...... Director of Football Strength & Conditioning Mike Gentry (Western Carolina, ‘79)...... Asst. AD/Athletics Performance

Schedule & Results Schedule & Results Date Opponent (Pre-Bowl Record) Score Date Opponent (Pre-Bowl Record) Score 08/28 Eastern Kentucky (8-4) W, 40-7 08/30 vs. East Carolina (9-4) (Charlotte, N.C.) L, 27-22 09/06 at No. 4/4 Oklahoma (12-1) L, 52-26 09/06 Furman (7-5) W, 24-7 09/20 Miami (OH) (2-10) W, 45-20 09/13 Georgia Tech (9-3) W, 20-17 09/27 at Akron (5-7) W, 17-15 09/20 at North Carolina (8-4) W, 20-17 10/03 at Marshall (4-8) W, 33-10 09/27 at Nebraska (8-4) W, 35-30 10/11 Rutgers (7-5) W, 13-10 10/04 Western Kentucky (2-10) W, 27-13 10/25 at Connecticut (7-5) L, 40-16 10/18 at Boston College (9-4) L, 28-23 10/30 No. 24/23 USF (7-5) W, 24-10 10/25 at No. 24 Florida State (8-4) L, 30-20 11/08 at No. 20/23 West Virginia (8-4) W, 26-23 (OT) 11/06 No. 23 Maryland (7-5) W, 23-13 11/14 at Louisville (5-7) W, 28-20 11/13 at Miami (FL) (7-5) L, 16-14 11/22 No. 20/19 Pittsburgh (9-3) W, 28-21 11/22 Duke (4-8) W, 14-3 11/29 Syracuse (3-9) W, 30-10 11/29 Virginia (5-7) W, 17-14 12/06 at Hawai’i (7-6) W, 29-24 12/06 vs. No. 18 Boston College (9-4) (Tampa Fla.) W, 30-12

Statistical Leaders Statistical Leaders RUSHING GP Att Gain Loss Net AvG tD Long Avg/G RUSHING GP Att Gain Loss Net AvG tD Long Avg/G RAMSEY, Jacob 13 148 674 44 630 4.3 2 25 48.5 EVANS, Darren 13 259 1147 35 1112 4.3 10 50 85.5 GOEBEL, John 13 124 597 16 581 4.7 7 37 44.7 TAYLOR, Tyrod 11 132 824 133 691 5.2 6 73 62.8

PASSING G Effic Cmp-Att-Int Pct yDS tD Lng Avg/G PASSING G Effic Cmp-Att-Int Pct yDS tD Lng Avg/G PIKE, Tony 11 141.07 183-291-7 62.9 2168 18 67 197.1 TAYLOR, Tyrod 11 103.22 86-151-6 57.0 896 2 40 81.5

RECEIVING G No. yDS AvG tD Long Avg/G RECEIVING G No. yDS AvG tD Long Avg/G GOODMAN, Dominick 13 78 977 12.5 7 49 75.2 COALE, Danny 13 33 356 10.8 0 28 27.4 GILYARD, Mardy 13 74 1118 15.1 10 69 86.0 BOYKIN, Jarrett 13 28 413 14.8 2 41 31.8

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 11 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST

No. Name Pos. ht. Wt. Cl./Elig. hometown/High School/Last School Alphabetical roster 1 Mardy Gilyard WR 6-1 190 Jr.-2L Bunnell, Fla./Flagler Palm Coast No. Name Pos. 2 Camerron Cheatham DB 5-8 165 Fr.-HS Kalamazoo, Mich./Central 83 Kazeem Alli TE 2 Demetrius Jones QB 6-3 210 So.-TR Chicago, Ill./Morgan Park/Notre Dame 14 Chazz Anderson QB 3 Delbert Ferguson FB 6-1 230 Sr.-2L Youngstown, Ohio/Warren Harding 51 Alex Apyan LS 3 D.J. Woods WR 6-0 170 Fr.-HS Strongsville, Ohio/Strongsville 43 Robby Armstrong LB 4 Dustin Grutza QB 6-2 215 Sr.-3L Maysville, Ky./Mason County 85 Marcus Barnett WR 5 Connor Barwin DE 6-4 255 Sr.-3L Hazel Park,Mich./U. of Detroit Jesuit 5 Connor Barwin DE 5 Darrin Williams RB 5-7 175 Fr.-HS Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King 9 Dominique Battle DB 6 Dan Milligan WR 5-9 170 Fr.-HS Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Xavier 69 Frank Becker OL 80 Armon Binns WR 6 DeAngelo Smith DB 6-0 190 Sr.-2L Columbus, Ohio/Independence 95 Terrill Byrd DL 7 Craig Carey DE 6-4 251 Jr.-1L Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder 76 Trevor Canfield OL 8 Travis Kelce QB 6-5 242 Fr.-HS Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights 7 Craig Carey DE 8 Brandon Underwood DB 6-1 190 Sr.-TR Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton/Ohio State 2 Camerron Cheatham DB 9 Dominique Battle DB 6-0 175 Fr.-HS Boca Raton, Fla./American Heritage 57 Obadiah Cheatham LB 10 Lamonte Nelms DE 6-3 255 Sr.-2L Ravenna, Ohio/Ravenna 91 Tyler Clifford DE 11 Brendon Kay QB 6-4 220 Fr.-HS Ira, Mich./Marine City 70 C.J. Cobb OL 11 Collin McCafferty LB 6-2 220 So.-1L Maineville, Ohio/Kings 12 Zach Collaros QB 12 Zach Collaros QB 6-1 205 Fr.-RS Steubenville, Ohio/Steubenville 14 Austin Cook LB 12 Mark Tabar K 6-2 180 Fr.-HS Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 41 Michael Cooke P 13 Patrick Lambert DB 6-1 190 Fr.-HS St. Cloud, Fla./Osceola 49 Torry Cornett LB 14 Chazz Anderson QB 6-2 205 Fr.-RS Pickerington, Ohio/Central 89 Alex Daniels DL 72 Evan Davis OL 14 Austin Cook LB 6-0 200 Jr.-JC Chicago, Ill./Morgan Park/Joliet JC 39 Alex Delisi LB 15 Tony Pike QB 6-6 225 Jr.-1L Cincinnati, Ohio/Reading 96 Tom DeTemple LS 16 Dominick Goodman WR 6-1 210 Sr.-3L Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 79 Khalil El-Amin OL 17 Aaron Webster DB 6-3 205 Jr.-2L Southfield, Mich./Birmingham Groves 3 Delbert Ferguson FB 18 Cedric Tolbert DB 6-0 205 Sr.-3L Xenia, Ohio/Xenia 65 T.J. Franklin OL 19 Ben Guidugli TE 6-2 241 So.-1L Ft. Thomas, Ky./Highlands 26 Drew Frey DB 20 Jacob Ramsey RB 6-0 230 Jr.-2L Columbus, Ohio/Independence 1 Mardy Gilyard WR 21 Mike Mickens DB 6-0 190 Sr.-3L Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne 99 Dan Giordano DL 21 George Winn RB 5-10 194 Fr.-HS Southfield, Mich./U. of Detroit Jesuit 22 John Goebel RB 22 John Goebel RB 6-1 225 So.-1L Milford, Mich./Brother Rice 16 Dominick Goodman WR 23 Rueben Haley DB 6-1 175 Fr.-RS Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Healthy 64 Kevin Greany OL 23 Isaiah Pead RB 5-11 185 Fr.-HS Columbus, Ohio/Eastmoor Academy 66 Sam Griffin OL 4 Dustin Grutza QB 24 Wes Richardson DB 6-0 189 Fr.-RS Columbus, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty 19 Ben Guidugli TE 25 Brad Jones DB 6-2 205 Jr.-2L Canton, Ohio/McKinley 23 Rueben Haley DB 26 Drew Frey DB 6-3 210 Fr.-RS Wilmington, Ohio/Clinton-Massie 38 Tomaz Hilton LB 31 Quentin Hines RB 6-0 201 Fr.-HS Detroit, Mich./Mt. Clemens 31 Quentin Hines RB 31 Bruce Horner DB 6-1 175 Fr.-HS Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison 59 Alex Hoffman OL 32 Justin Moore DB 6-0 180 So.-SQ Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 67 Adam Hoppel DL 33 Deon Reed DB 6-0 212 Fr.-RS Flint, Mich./Hamady 31 Bruce Horner DB 33 Luca Romeo RB 6-2 215 Fr.-HS Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Xavier 87 Charley Howard WR 35 Marcus Waugh TE/FB 6-0 260 Jr.-2L Whitehouse, Ohio/Toledo St. John’s 47 Kevin Huber P 36 Quincy Quetant DB 6-0 190 Fr.-HS Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek 40 John Hughes DL 37 J.K. Schafer LB 6-1 220 Fr.-HS Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle 73 Chris Johnson DE 38 Tomaz Hilton LB 6-3 215 Fr.-RS Youngstown, Ohio/The Rayen 46 Scott Johnson RB 25 Brad Jones DB 39 Alex Delisi LB 6-2 225 Fr.-RS Clarkston, Mich./St. Mary’s Preperatory 2 Demetrius Jones QB 40 John Hughes DL 6-3 300 Fr.-RS Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln 56 Chris Jurek OL 41 Jared Rains DB 5-10 185 Fr.-HS Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell 41 Michael Cooke P 6-2 210 Fr.-RS Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder 42 Corey Smith LB 6-1 225 Sr.-3L Salem, N.J./Salem

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 12 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST

Alphabetical roster No. Name Pos. ht. Wt. Cl./Elig. hometown/High School/Last School No. Name Pos. 43 Robby Armstrong LB 6-2 223 So.-SQ Murraysville, Pa./Franklin Regional 11 Brendon Kay QB 45 Ryan Manalac LB 6-0 235 Sr.-3L Pickerington, Ohio/Central 60 Jason Kelce OL 46 Scott Johnson RB 5-10 205 Fr.-RS Middletown, Ohio/Middletown 8 Travis Kelce QB 47 Kevin Huber P 6-1 220 Sr.-1L Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas 13 Patrick Lambert DB 48 Trammell Williams RB 5-9 190 Fr.-RS Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 71 Jeff Linkenbach OL 49 Torry Cornett LB 6-2 235 Sr.-2L Columbus, Ohio/Independence/Prairie View A&M 45 Ryan Manalac LB 50 Andre Revels LB 6-0 240 Jr.-1L Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 53 Randy Martinez OL 51 Alex Apyan LS 6-2 205 Fr.-RS Chattanooga,Tenn./Hixson 90 Ricardo Mathews DL 52 Ricardo Thompson LB 6-2 230 Fr.-RS Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow 11 Collin McCafferty LB 53 Randy Martinez OL 6-2 265 Fr.-RS Teaneck, N.J./Teaneck 63 Blake McCroskey OL 54 Walter Stewart LB 6-4 205 Fr.-HS Ashville, Ohio/Teays Valley 86 Tahree McQueen WR 21 Mike Mickens DB 55 Mark Nelson LB 6-1 224 Fr.-HS Westerville, Ohio/Big Walnut 6 Dan Milligan WR 56 Chris Jurek OL 6-2 290 Jr.-1L Southfield, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup 58 Brandon Mills DL 57 Obadiah Cheatham LB 6-1 230 So.-SQ Cincinnati, Ohio/Shroder Paideia Academy 32 Justin Moore DB 58 Brandon Mills DL 5-11 265 Fr.-HS Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 10 Lamonte Nelms DE 59 Alex Hoffman OL 6-7 280 Fr.-RS Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral 55 Mark Nelson LB 60 Jason Kelce OL 6-3 295 So.-1L Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights 68 Craig Parmenter OL 63 Blake McCroskey OL 6-5 295 Fr.-RS Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne 82 Lynell Payne WR 64 Kevin Greany OL 6-2 286 Fr.-RS Milford, Ohio/Milford 23 Isaiah Pead RB 65 T.J. Franklin OL 6-5 284 Fr.-RS Maryville, Tenn./Knoxville Catholic 15 Tony Pike QB 66 Sam Griffin OL 6-5 255 So.-SQ Englewood, N.J./Don Bosco Prep 36 Quincy Quetant DB 67 Adam Hoppel DL 6-2 300 Sr.-2L Lisbon, Ohio/Beaver Local 41 Jared Rains DB 68 Craig Parmenter OL 6-6 285 Fr.-RS Ringwood, N.J./Lakeside Regional 20 Jacob Ramsey RB 33 Deon Reed DB 69 Frank Becker OL 6-3 295 Fr.-RS Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller 50 Andre Revels LB 70 C.J. Cobb OL 6-4 315 So.-1L Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood 24 Wes Richardson DB 71 Jeff Linkenbach OL 6-6 313 Jr.-2L Sandusky, Ohio/Margaretta 88 Adrien Robinson TE 72 Evan Davis OL 6-4 260 Fr.-HS Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 97 Jake Rogers K 73 Chris Johnson DE 6-5 245 Fr.-HS Columbus, Ohio/Marion Franklin 33 Luca Romeo RB 76 Trevor Canfield OL 6-5 305 Sr.-3L Cincinnati, Ohio/Western Hills 37 J.K. Schafer LB 78 Derek Wolfe DL 6-5 295 Fr.-HS Lisbon, Ohio/Beaver Local 42 Corey Smith LB 79 Khalil El-Amin OL 6-4 312 Sr.-2L Cincinnati, Ohio/Purcell Marian 6 DeAngelo Smith DB 80 Armon Binns WR 6-4 200 So.-1L Pasadena, Calif./Pasadena 54 Walter Stewart LB 82 Lynell Payne WR 6-3 205 Fr.-HS Marlton, N.J./Cherokee 12 Mark Tabar K 83 Kazeem Alli TE 6-2 260 Jr.-2L St. Louis, Mo./Hazelwood Central 52 Ricardo Thompson LB 84 Orion Woodard WR 6-3 205 Fr.-RS Pompton Lakes, N.J./Pompton Lakes 18 Cedric Tolbert DB 94 Rob Trigg DE 85 Marcus Barnett WR 6-1 175 So.-1L Upper Marlboro, Md./Frederick Douglass 8 Brandon Underwood DB 86 Tahree McQueen WR 5-10 200 Fr.-RS Patterson, N.J./Eastside 35 Marcus Waugh TE/FB 87 Charley Howard WR 6-3 205 So.-1L Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln 17 Aaron Webster DB 88 Adrien Robinson TE 6-5 245 Fr.-RS Indianapolis, Ind./Warren Central 5 Darrin Williams RB 89 Alex Daniels DL 6-3 260 Jr.-TR Columbus, Ohio/Brookhaven/Minnesota 48 Trammell Williams RB 90 Ricardo Mathews DL 6-3 290 Jr.-2L Jacksonville, Fla./Terry Parker 93 Mike Windt LS 91 Tyler Clifford DE 6-4 240 Jr.-SQ Portsmouth, Ohio/Portsmouth 21 George Winn RB 92 Brandon Yingling K 6-1 200 Sr.-SQ Mason, Ohio/Mason 78 Derek Wolfe DL 93 Mike Windt LS 6-2 250 So.-1L Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder 84 Orion Woodard WR 94 Rob Trigg DE 6-3 260 So.-1L Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne 3 D.J. Woods WR 95 Terrill Byrd DL 6-1 290 Sr.-3L Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain 92 Brandon Yingling K 96 Tom DeTemple LS 6-2 225 Fr.-RS Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller 98 Curtis Young DE 97 Jake Rogers K 6-3 205 So.-1L Warsaw, Ind./Warsaw 98 Curtis Young DE 6-3 260 Jr.-SQ Cleveland, Ohio/Glenville 99 Dan Giordano DL 6-4 240 Fr.-HS Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 13 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST

BEARCATS RANK FOURTH IN ACADEMIC BCS ... FIRST COLLEGIATE BOWL GAME? ... BREAKING DOWN THE RECORD ff Higher Ed Watch’s second annual Academic BCS rankings ff Cincinnati’s proud football history includes a number of places UC fourth with a 97.5 point showing. firsts, possibly including the first postseason bowl game. ff Below are the records and streaks for Cincinnati ff The Bearcats rank behind only Boston College (122), ff While the NCAA Official Football Records recognizes the Northwestern (110.5), and Penn State (107.5). , started in 1902, as being the first collegiate 2008 Streak Under Kelly ff Higher Ed Watch’s Academic BCS formula uses all of the bowl game, former UC athletic director Bill Schwarberg Overall 11-2 W6 22-5 available public data on academic performance of football points to a bowl appearance by Cincinnati that pre-dates Home 6-0 W6 10-2 players to compile its ranking of the nation’s college teams. the Rose Bowl by five years. Road/Neut. 5-2 W3 12-3 ff Citing a record in the University’s McMicken Review, BIG EAST 6-1 W5 10-4 UC-FEDEX TIES ... Schwarberg indicated that following the 1897 season, BIG EAST Home 4-0 W4 5-2 ff UC had a part in the creation of game sponsor FedEx’s logo. Cincinnati was in fact the first institution from Ohio to make BIG EAST Road 2-1 W2 5-2 See the arrow created by the negative space between the a trip south to play in a postseason game. capital “E” and the “x” of Express? Co-opping student John ff Cincinnati posted a 7-1-1 record that year, which included a Series BUSINESS Lutz, DAAP ‘95, created that logo concept in 1994, and it 34-0 win over Ohio State. The lone team to beat UC was the was adopted by the company later that year. powerful Carlisle Indians. VIRGINIA TECH ff Shortly after Thanksgiving a travel party of 14, which Series Record...... Series tied 4-4 SINCE THE LAST TIME THEY MET ... included the substitutes and the coach and manager, At Cincinnati...... Tied 1-1 ff Since losing a halftime lead and dropping a 29-13 decision departed for New Orleans to play a game there on New At Virginia Tech...... Virginia Tech leads3-2 to Virginia Tech in 2006, Cincinnati has been on a tear, Year’s Day. At Neutral Sites...... UC leads 1-0 winning 28 of its past 35 games. ff Hosted by the Southern Athletic Club, accounts of the game Most UC points...... 31 (UC 31-14, 1985) ff Over that span, only seven teams—Boise State, Oklahoma, have UC winning with ease by a score of 16-0. Most Virginia Tech points...... 56 (Virginia Tech 56-9, 1991) BYU, Florida, Southern California, Hawai’i and Ohio State— ff At a victory party that evening, players from Louisiana State Combined points...... 65 (Virginia Tech 56-9, 1991) have won more games than the Bearcats. challenged the Bearcats to a game the next day in Baton Biggest UC win...... 17 (31-14, 1985) Rouge. UC accepted the challenge and overwhelmed the Biggest Virginia Tech win ...... 47 (56-9, 1991) LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE ... LSU team, 28-0. Current streak...... Virginia Tech—1 ff Head coach Brian Kelly affirmed his commitment to the ff If this was indeed UC’s first bowl game, it was 49 years University of Cincinnati and its football program at his before the Bearcats again experienced postseason play. GAME-BY-GAME BREAKDOWN weekly press luncheon on Dec. 2. Year Site Score Winner ff “There has been a lot of interest in my services,” Kelly said. A PAIR OF RECORDS ... BROKEN ... 1946 El Paso, Texas 18-6 Cincinnati “But I want to be here at the University of Cincinnati for ff Wide receiver/kick returner Mardy Gilyard has had a 1985 Cincinnati 31-14 Cincinnati the right reasons. My family loves it here. I’ve got good breakout year in 2008. 1986 Blacksburg 24-20 Cincinnati people to work with. It’s a really good situation and it’s ff The junior caught 74 passes during the regular season for 1987 Blacksburg 21-20 Virginia Tech only going to get better.” a school-record 1,118 yards along with a team-high 10 1988 Cincinnati 41-14 Virginia Tech ff Director of Athletics Mike Thomas also announced plans touchdowns. 1991 Blacksburg 56-9 Virginia Tech for future renovations of Nippert Stadium along with ff He also returned 32 kicks for a school-record 897 yards 1995 Blacksburg 16-0 Cincinnati construction of new football practice facilities. and a pair of touchdowns. 2006 Blacksburg 29-13 Virginia Tech

NO. 12/12 CINCINNATI vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH • TEAM COMPARISONS bowl history CINCINNATI (11-2) VIRGINIA TECH (9-4) Team Statistics uC OPP Team Statistics vt OPP ff UC is 2-1 in games after Jan. 1, most recently winning the Points/Game 27.3 20.0 Points/Game 22.2 17.5 2007 , 27-24 over Western Michigan, in First Downs 258 223 First Downs 220 178 head coach Brian Kelly’s first game leading UC.  Rushing/Game 121.2 102.7 Rushing/Game 167.9 107.0 ff The Bearcats are 6-4 all-time in bowl games, and winners Passing/Game 254.1 212.1 Passing/Game 128.2 170.1 NCAA TEAM RANKINGS of their past three postseason contests. Total Offense/Game 375.3 314.8 Total Offense/Game 296.2 277.1 Category UC vt ff UC and the Virginia Tech met in UC’s first bowl game, the -Lost 28-15 16-5 Fumbles-Lost 15-8 29-14 Rushing Offense 93 42 Pen./Yds.-Game 96/67.2 83/53.2 Pen./Yds.-Game 67/36.0 82/54.8 Passing Offense 24 111 1947 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Harold Johnson, Don Time of Possession 29:29 30:31 Time of Possession 32:30 27:30 Total Offense 50 107 McMillan and Hugo Sabato all scored touchdowns to Scoring Offense 51 89 help lead UC to an 18-6 win over Virginia Tech, which was INDIVIDUAL LEADERS INDIVIDUAL LEADERS Rushing Defense 13 19 known as the Gobblers in 1947. UC’s offense outgained RUSHING Att Net Avg tD yPG RUSHING Att Net Avg tD yPG Pass Efficiency Defense 28 34 Virginia Tech’s by a 369-34 margin. Ramsey 148 630 4.3 2 48.5 Evans 259 1,112 4.3 10 85.5 Total Defense 26 7 Goebel 124 581 4.7 7 44.7 Taylor 132 691 5.2 6 62.8 Scoring Defense 26 13 DATE OPPONENT BOWL RESULT Net Punting 1 90 01/01/47 Virginia Tech Sun W, 18-6 PASSING A-C-I Pct. TD yPG PASSING A-C-I Pct. tD yPG Punt Returns 53 55 Pike 183-291-7 62.9 18 197.1 Taylor 86-151-6 57.0 2 81.5 Kickoff Returns 15 67 12/03/49 Toledo Glass W, 33-13 Turnover Margin 83 18 01/01/51 West Texas A&M Sun L, 14-13 RECEIVING Rec yds Avg tD yPG RECEIVING Rec yds Avg tD yPG Pass Defense 68 15 12/29/97 Utah State Humanitarian W, 35-19 Goodman 78 977 12.5 7 75.2 Coale 33 356 10.8 0 27.4 Passing Efficiency 27 98 12/27/00 Marshall Motor City L, 25-14 Gilyard 74 1,118 15.1 10 86.0 Boykin 28 413 14.8 2 31.8 12/29/01 Toledo Motor City L, 23-16 12/17/02 North Texas New Orleans L, 24-19 DEFENSE u-A-TT tFL int. PBU DEFENSE u-A-TT tFL Int. PBU 12/23/04 Marshall Fort Worth W, 32-14 Manalac 39-35-74 2.0 0 3 Sturdivant 37-54-91 8.0 0 2 01/06/07 Western Michigan International W, 27-24 Cornett 41-26-67 2.5 0 3 Warren 37-49-86 5.0 2 3 12/22/07 Southern Miss Papajohns.com W, 31-21.

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 14 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST

around the big east ff He was named BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year County as the Hamilton County Commission honored the and earned First-Team All-BIG EAST honors as both a kick Bearcats during its business meeting. 2008 STANDINGS returner and wide receiver. ff Head coach Brian Kelly, Director of Athletics Mike Thomas BIG EAST OVERALL and student-athletes Connor Barwin, Mike Mickens, #Cincinnati 6-1 .857 11-2 .846 THREE NAMED TO AP ALL-AMERICA SQUAD ... and DeAngelo Smith visited the Commission’s offices, Pittsburgh 5-2 .714 9-3 .750 ff Kevin Huber was named a first-team All-American by the receiving proclamations from county commissioners Todd West Virginia 5-2 .714 8-4 .667 Associated Press for the second-straight season. Portune, Pat DeWine, and David Pepper. Rutgers 5-2 .714 7-5 .583 ff Trevor Canfield and defensive back Mike Mickens earned Connecticut 3-4 .429 7-5 .583 spots on the second and third team, respectively. POST-HAWAI’I TEAM NOTES ... USF 2-5 .286 7-5 .583 ff UC was the only BIG EAST team with a first-team ff Down 24-10 in the fourth quarter, the Bearcats staged Louisville 1-6 .143 5-7 .417 representative and the only league team to have multiple their biggest comeback of the season by scoring a season- Syracuse 1-6 .143 3-9 .250 players honored. high 19 points in the final quarter. # = clinched regular season title ff Huber is the first UC player to earn back-to-back nods to ff The Bearcats won 11 games for the first time in school the AP first team. It is his fourth all-America honor of the history. UPCOMING BIG EAST BOWL GAMES 2008 postseason as he was previously named First-Team ff UC has won six consecutive games, matching last season’s all-America by Rivals.com, the Coaches streak of six straight victories to open the season. MAGICJACK ST. PETERSBURG BOWL Association (AFCA) all-American, and the Football Writers ff UC won its first game of the season when trailing after Dec. 20 USF vs. Memphis 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Association of America (FWAA). three quarters. ff Canfield is the first UC offensive lineman to earn a spot on ff UC has an interception in six straight games and had MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL the Associated Press team since Bill Shalosky was named their second interception for a touchdown when Brandon Dec. 27 West. Virginia vs. North Carolina 1 p.m. (ESPN) an honorable mention AP All-American in 1952. Underwood picked off a pass and returned it fora ff It was the third postseason all-America honor for Mickens. touchdown in the fourth quarter. PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL He was a second-team Walter Camp honoree and a third- ff UC had its second safety of the season in the fourth Dec. 29 Rutgers vs. NC State 3 p.m. (ESPN) team all-America selection by Rivals.com on Dec. 11. quarter, pulling the Bearcats within two, 24-22. ff UC gave up 14 points in the first five minutes of the third BRUT SUN BOWL SEVEN FOOTBALL PLAYERS EARN DIPLOMAS ... quarter, only the second time this season that an opponent Dec. 31 Pittsburgh vs. Oregon State 2 p.m. (CBS) ff Seven football student-athletes were among the has scored 14 or more points in the third quarter. participants in the 189th Commencement of the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL University of Cincinnati, on Dec. 13 at . COACH KELLY SNAGS SOME HARDWARE ... Jan. 1 Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech 8 p.m. (FOX) ff Trevor Canfield, Khalil El-Amin, Delbert Ferguson, Adam ff Brian Kelly picked up a pair of honors this week as the Hoppel, Kevin Huber, Ryan Manalac, and DeAngelo Smith second-year head coach earned BIG EAST Coach of the INTERNATIONAL BOWL received their degrees at the graduation ceremony. Year honors for the second-straight year. Jan. 3 Connecticut vs. Buffalo Noon (ESPN2) ff Former student-athlete and UC Award ff He is the first coach to earn the honor in back-to-back for Excellence recipient Mary Wineberg, a 2008 Olympic seasons since Larry Coker of Miami was chosen in 2001 LOSING A LEGEND Gold Medalist in the 4x400-meter relay, delivered the and 2002. Commencement address. ff Kelly led the Bearcats - who were picked fifth in the ff The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics lost one of ff As graduates departed the arena, they were tossed dozens BIG EAST preseason media poll - to their first outright its legends on Nov. 21 with the passing of Glenn Sample. of beach balls to celebrate UC’s trip to the Orange Bowl. conference championship since 1964 and their first ff Sample, a letterwinner for the Bearcats at linebacker from appearance in a Bowl Championship Series game. 1950-52, was a regular at football practice. HAMILTON COUNTY HONORS BEARCATS ... ff Cincinnati finished the regular season at 11-2 overall ff Sample coached the UC baseball team for 21 years, served as ff Dec. 10 was declared UC Bearcat Football Day in Hamilton and 6-1 in the BIG EAST and is ranked No. 12 in the final an administrator, and was elected to the UC Hall of Fame. ff He served as the official scorer since 1979 and MILESTONE WATCH 2009 would have been his 30th season in the Reds’ press box. CONNOR BARWIN (#5/dE) all-time leader topping LaDaris Vann’s marks (204/2,483). ff Needs 3.0 sacks to become UC’s single-season leader (13.0/ ff Needs nine receptions to take the all-time lead among all BIG Anthony Hoke/2007). EAST players, held by Brian Leonard (Rutgers/207). GS ff Goodman has 2,461 career receiving yards on 198 catches. terrill byrd (#95/dt) ff He is UC’s leader in career receiving touchdowns (22). ff Needs 20.0 tackles for loss to become UC’s career leader Honoring a friend of the program (56.0/Antwan Peek). Kevin Huber (#47/P) ff Leads UC in career punting average (45.6). ff The University of Cincinnati football team has honored the late Joni Herschede, longtime friend to UC and its Department of MARDY GILYARD (#1/WR/KR) ff Holds the UC single-season marks for kickoff return yardage mIKE mICKENS (#21/DB) Athletics, by wearing a special helmet decal this season with 897 yards and receiving yards (1,118 yards). ff Tops UC’s career lists with 14 interceptions and 296 ff Herschede passed away in Dec. 2007 at the age of 67. She ff He is tied for the UC career lead with two kickoff returns for interception return yards. donated generously to UC, the alma mater of her late husband, a touchdown. ff Tied for UC’s career lead in interception returns for a Mark, and also received numerous awards, including an touchdown with Shawn Ferguson (3). honorary doctorate in 2004. Dustin Grutza (#4/QB) ff Needs 15 completions to go over 400 for his career. Only (#6/DB) three other UC QBs have accomplished the feat. ff Needs two interceptions to take UC’s career lead (13/Mike Mickens). Dominick Goodman (#16/WR) ff Needs 117 interception return yards to become UC’s career ff Needs seven receptions and 23 receiving yards to become UC’s leader (296/Mike Mickens).

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regular-season Associated Press and USA Today polls. ff He sits seventh in school history with 27 career makes. BEARCATS IN THE NFL ff Kelly was also named the American Football Coaches’ Association Region 1 Coach of the Year and Sporting News’ GILYARD FOR THE CENTURY MARK ... AGAIN ... The following 13 former Bearcats are currently on an NFL BIG EAST Coach of the Year. ff Mardy Gilyard recorded his sixth 100-plus yard receiving roster: game of the season at Hawai’i. UC PLACES 10 ON ALL-BIG EAST TEAMS ... ff It was his eighth career 100-plus yard receiving game. NAME TEAM (YEARS) ff Ten University of Cincinnati football student-athletes, ff He finished with seven receptions, one touchdown and John Bowie...... Oakland Raiders (2/IR) including six first-teamers, earned All-BIG EAST honors. 136 receiving yards. Digger Bujnoch...... (1/IR) ff The all-league teams are voted on by the league’s coaches. ff He set UC’s single-season receiving yards mark with ...... (2) ff Defensive end Connor Barwin, punter Kevin Huber, 1,118 yards, breaking the previous mark of Jon Olinger Antonio Chatman...... (6) Mike Mickens, and safety Brandon Underwood (2002/1,114). ...... Philadelphia Eagles (4) were first-team honorees. Mardy Gilyard earned first- Troy Evans...... (6) team accolades as both a wide receiver and kick returner. CO. SMITH LEADS THE DEFENSE ... Jason Fabini...... Washington Redskins (11) ff Mickens was a unanimous selection to the first team. ff Corey Smith had his second sack of the season in the Andre Frazier...... (4) ff Defensive tackle Terrill Byrd, offensive guard Trevor second quarter of the Hawai’i game. Tyjuan Hagler...... (4) Canfield, wide receiver Dominick Goodman, and ff He had his first forced of the season and third of Daven Holly...... (4/IR) quarterback Tony Pike earned spots on the second team. his career in the fourth quarter, leading to a Hawai’i safety Haruki Nakamura...... (1) and pulling the Bearcats within two, 24-22. Antwan Peek...... Cleveland Browns (6/IR) THREE EARN RIVALS.COM ALL-AMERICA NOD ... Mike Wright...... (4) ff Mardy Gilyard, Kevin Huber, and Mike Mickens all were FERGUSON GETS ON THE STAT SHEET ... named to the Rivals.com all-America team. ff Delbert Ferguson caught the first pass of his career, a ff Gilyard (kick returner) and Huber (punter) earned first- 1-yard touchdown reception, giving the Bearcats a 10-0 NFL Pedigrees team spots while Mickens (cornerback) grabbed a third- lead at Hawai’i. team selection. ff It was also Ferguson’s first career touchdown. Cincinnati boasts three players on the roster who can lean on their fathers’ backgrounds as NFL players. HUBER AN AFCA ALL-AMERICAN ... UNDERWOOD TO THE HOUSE ... ff Frank Becker—Son of Doug Becker, Bills, LB (1978) ff Punter Kevin Huber recently became the first player in ff Brandon Underwood had his third career interception, and ff Dominick Goodman—Son of Don Goodman, Cardinals, school history to be named to the American Football first career touchdown, when he returned an interception RB (1983), UC (1982-83) - see below Coaches Association All-American Team. 20 yards in the fourth quarter. ff Craig Parmenter—Son of Harold Parmenter, Broncos, ff Huber, a consensus all-America selection in 2007, leads ff Terrill Byrd tipped an errant Hawai’i pass and the senior Browns OL (1977-78) the BIG EAST in punting and ranks seventh nationally cornerback took it to the end zone unscathed. averaging 44.9 yards per punt. A Family Affair ff He has dropped 21 kicks inside the 20 and has boomed 18 A LOOK AT THE FUTURE ... over 50 yards. Opponents have an average starting field ff Freshman Isaiah Pead had a season long carry (38 yards) This year’s roster includes three Bearcats who followed in position on the 22.3 yard line on punts. in the second quarter against Hawai’i. family footsteps to play for the Bearcats. ff UC leads the BIG EAST and NCAA FBS in net punting (44.5). ff He gained a season and career-high in rushing yards before halftime (70 yards at the half). Brother Played at Cincinnati GOODMAN DAY-TO-DAY ... ff Pead also had the first kick return of his career, a 21-yard ff Craig Carey— Collin (QB, 2003-04) ff Dominick Goodman injured his right shoulder on the first return. He finished the game with eight carries and 74 ff Ben Guidugli— Gino (QB, 2001-04) offensive play of the Hawai’i game and did not return. rushing yards. ff He did not record a catch, snapping his 32-game streak Father Played at Cincinnati with a reception. SENIOR DAY HONOREES ... ff Dominick Goodman—Don, FB (1982-83) ff His status is day-to-day. ff Cincinnati honored 20 student-athletes, Connor Barwin, ff Jared Rains—Dan, (1974-77) Terrill Byrd, Trevor Canfield, Tyler Clifford, Torry Cornett, GRUTZA LEADS THE COMEBACK ... Khalil El-Amin, Delbert Ferguson, Dominick Goodman, uc’S average heights & weights ff Dustin Grutza entered the Hawai’i game in the second Dustin Grutza, Adam Hoppel, Kevin Huber, Lamonte quarter, his fifth appearance at quarterback. Nelms, Ryan Manalac, Mike Mickens, Justin Moore, Offensive Line & TEs...... 6-4, 282 ff He returned in the fourth quarter when Tony Pike was Corey Smith, DeAngelo Smith, Cedric Tolbert, Brandon Running Backs & WRs...... 6-1, 210 unable to go. Underwood, and Brandon Yingling, prior to the last home Defensive Line...... 6-3, 265 ff On his second offensive possession in the fourth quarter, game of the 2008 season against Syracuse. Linebackers...... 6-2, 226 Grutza scrambled and tossed a 69-yard touchdown pass ff Two senior student managers, Jess Perdrix, and T.J. Weil, Defensive Backs ...... 6-0, 195 to Mardy Gilyard in the fourth quarter, giving UC a 29-24 along with senior student trainers Candace Meyer and advantage and leading to the victory. Kevin Young were also recognized. BEARCATS ON WATCH LISTS ff It was Grutza’s fifth touchdown pass of the season and his third completion of the game. UC UNDER KELLY TIDBITS ... Terrill Byrd, DT...... Lombardi ff UC is 21-0 when leading after three quarters under head Mardy Gilyard, WR...... Biletnikoff THE ROGERS ZONE ... coach Brian Kelly. Kelly is 54-13 (.797) all-time in games Dominic Goodman, WR...... Biletnikoff ff Jake Rogers connected on a 53-yard field goal in the first after Nov. 1 and 84-18-1 (.812) in home games. Kevin Huber, P...... Ray Guy (Semifinalist); Wuerffel quarter at Hawai’i. Mike Mickens, CB...... Thorpe (Semifinalist) ff It is the second longest field of the season, tied for the GOODMAN MAKES A SENIOR SALUTE OF HIS OWN ... Jake Rogers, K...... Groza (Semifinalist) fourth longest in school history, and is his third field goal ff Wide receiver Dominick Goodman, on the verge of setting DeAngelo Smith, CB...... Thorpe of 50-plus yards this season. several school records, made a tribute of his own on senior

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 16 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST POLLING DATA day to a former UC standout. playing cast over his left arm. ff Goodman switched from his normal #16 to the #36 worn ff Pike played only the first half of the UConn game due to Associated Press Top 25 (12/07/08) by his father Don who was a standout fullback for UC in numbness in his non-throwing hand. tEAM RECORD vOTES 1982-83. ff On the season, Pike has completed 63 percent of his 1. Florida (50) ...... 12-1 ...... 1,602 ff Don Goodman was the UC Most Valuable Player in 1983 passes for 2,168 yards and 18 touchdowns. 2. Oklahoma (9) ...... 12-1 ...... 1,540 and went on the play for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. ff Heranks second in the BIG EAST and ranks 29th nationally in 3. Texas (6)...... 11-1 ...... 1,530 passing efficiency with a 141.07 rating. 4. Alabama ...... 12-1 ...... 1,410 MICKENS MAKING A COMEBACK ... 5. USC ...... 11-1 ...... 1,372 ff Mike Mickens, UC’s career leader in interceptions (14) THE RANKINGS ... 6. Penn State ...... 11-1 ...... 1,259 and interception return yards (296), did not play in UC’s ff UC’s No. 12 ranking in the latest Associated Press poll, USA 7. Utah ...... 12-0 ...... 1,225 last two regular season games, ending his streak of 46 Today Coaches poll and BCS Standings marks UC’s highest- 8. Texas Tech ...... 11-1 ...... 1,193 consecutive starts. ever ranking. 9. Boise State ...... 12-0 ...... 1,101 ff He injured his left knee on Nov. 20, had arthroscopic ff In 2007, UC closed out the season ranked No. 17 in the AP 10. Ohio State ...... 10-2 ...... 1,069 surgery on Nov. 25 and will be four weeks of action. poll and No. 20 in the USA Today Coaches poll. 11. TCU ...... 10-2 ...... 921 ff He is expected to play in UC’s bowl game. ff UC had its best in-season ranking on Nov. 1, 1954 when 12. Cincinnati ...... 11-2 ...... 863 the pollsters ranked the Bearcats No. 13 in the AP poll. 13. Oklahoma State ...... 9-3 ...... 853 THE WIZARD NEARS SEVERAL RECORDS ... 14. Georgia Tech ...... 9-3 ...... 761 ff Dominick Goodman is nearing an all-out assault on UC AS A RANKED TEAM ... 15. Oregon ...... 9-3 ...... 710 several UC season and career records. ff The 75th FedEx Orange Bowl marks the Bearcats’ 17th 16. Georgia ...... 9-3 ...... 599 ff He has 78 receptions for 977 yards and seven touchdowns game as a ranked team. UC has an all-time mark of 9-6-1 17. Brigham Young ...... 10-2 ...... 477 in 2008, and 198 career catches for 2,461 yards. when it’s ranked. 18. Pittsburgh ...... 9-3 ...... 428 ff He needs two catches to tie the UC single-season mark 19. Michigan State ...... 9-3 ...... 423 of 80 (Tom Rossley, 1968), and 141 receiving yards to tie AGAINST RANKED TEAMS ... 20. Mississippi ...... 8-4 ...... 389 the single-season record of 1,118 yards (Mardy Gilyard, ff UC has won three-straight games over ranked teams for 21. Virginia Tech ...... 9-4 ...... 318 2008). the first time in school history. 22. Northwestern ...... 9-3 ...... 262 ff The Colerain HS product caught his 22nd-career ff UC improved to 6-2 against ranked opponents in the Brian 23. Ball State ...... 12-1 ...... 249 touchdown in the Pittsburgh game, sending him past Kelly Era. 24. Oregon State ...... 8-4 ...... 163 former UC great Jim O’Brien (1967-69) for UC’s career ff The win at WVU was UC’s second win against a ranked 25. Missouri ...... 9-4 ...... 150 receiving touchdowns mark. opponent in 2008 and first on the road since beating then ff Goodman needs seven receptions and 23 receiving yards No. 20 USF in on Nov. 3, 2007. Other BIG EAST TEAMS Receiving Votes to become UC’s all-time leader, topping LaDaris Vann’s West Virginia 12, Rutgers 1. records (204/2,483). MILESTONE SEASON ... ff With nine more catches, Goodman would eclipse Rutgers’ ff UC has won a school-record 11 games in 2008, the second USA TODAY Top 25 (12/07/08) Brian Leonard (207) as the BIG EAST’s all-time leader in straight season that head coach Brian Kelly’s teams have tEAM RECORD vOTES receptions. reached the school record win mark. 1. Oklahoma (31) ...... 12-1 ...... 1,482 ff Goodman recently became the fifth receiver in school ff It marks the first time in school history a team has 2. Florida (26) ...... 12-1 ...... 1,481 history to eclipse the 2,000-yard plateau for his career. recorded back-to-back 10 win seasons. 3. Texas (4) ...... 11-1 ...... 1,408 4. USC ...... 11-1 ...... 1,309 WINNING WAYS ... HOLDING THE ORANGE ... 4. Alabama ...... 12-1 ...... 1,309 ff Under second-year coach Brian Kelly, UC has its second ff UC held Syracuse to minus-one total yards in the first 6. Penn State ...... 11-1 ...... 1,193 straight 10-win season. Before Kelly arrived, the Bearcats quarter and held the Orange without a first down for the 7. Utah ...... 12-0 ...... 1,134 had exactly one 10-win season -- way back in 1951. first 22 minutes of the game. 8. Texas Tech ...... 11-1 ...... 1,132 ff With one more game to go in 2008, the Bearcats’ combined ff Syracuse had 59 passing yards for the game. The last time 9. Boise State ...... 12-0 ...... 1,034 21 wins are already three more than the second-best two- an opponent passed for less than 100 yards was Southeast 10. Ohio State ...... 10-2 ...... 1,004 year stretch in school history. Missouri State, finishing with 67 passing yards on Aug. 30, 11. TCU ...... 10-2 ...... 877 2007. 12. Cincinnati ...... 11-2 ...... 830 Best Two-Year Stretches 13. Oregon ...... 9-3 ...... 747 2007-08 ...... 21* (1 Game Left in ‘08) HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE ... 14. Oklahoma State ...... 9-3 ...... 722 2006-07 ...... 18 ff UC won all of its home games in 2008, the first time since 15. Georgia Tech ...... 9-3 ...... 690 1951-52 ...... 18 the 2000 season that the Bearcats went undefeated in 16. Brigham Young ...... 10-2 ...... 541 1950-51 ...... 18 Nippert Stadium during a season. 17. Georgia...... 9-3 ...... 537 ff During Brian Kelly’s tenure as head coach, UC holds a 10-2 18. Michigan State ...... 9-3 ...... 466 WHAT BROKEN ARM? ... mark at Nippert Stadium. 19. Virginia Tech ...... 9-4 ...... 337 ff Quarterback Tony Pike has shown no ill effects of his 20. Northwestern ...... 9-3 ...... 334 broken left arm since returning against USF. PACKING THEM IN ... 21. Pittsburgh ...... 9-3 ...... 316 ff Pike, who broke his left (non-throwing) arm on a roll out at ff After a challenge by head coach Brian Kelly, the UC faithful 22. Ball State ...... 12-1 ...... 219 Akron, was 26-of-32 for 309 yards and three touchdowns responded by packing Nippert Stadium with 35,098 fans, 23. Missouri ...... 9-4 ...... 218 in UC’s 28-21 win over Pittsburgh. a stadium record, for the Pittsburgh game. 24. Mississippi ...... 8-4 ...... 160 ff ESPN Gameday Final’s Mark May awarded him a helmet ff It was the first sellout of the season and the 17th in 25. Oregon State ...... 8-4 ...... 131 sticker for his performance on Nov. 22. Nippert Stadium history. ff He had surgery on Sept. 29, started a throwing program ff Eight of the top-12 crowds in Nippert history have Others BIG EAST TEAMS Receiving Votes several days later, and wears a protective sleeve and occurred during the Brian Kelly era. Rutgers 2 .

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ff With an average of 31,964 fans in six home games ENTER DEMETRIUS ... NIPPERT STADIUM this season, UC has established a new single-season ff Demetrius Jones made his first UC appearance at Louisville, HISTORIC NIPPERT STADIUM ... attendance record, topping the 2007 average of 30,246. running the ball for five yards in the first quarter. ff Nippert Stadium is the fifth-oldest NCAA FBS or FCS ff It was his first snap in a collegiate game since Sept. 1, 2007 stadium. SACK ATTACK ... when he started for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech. ff Opened in 1916, Nippert Stadium is preceeded in history ff UC has 33 sacks in the last 10 games after recording four ff Jones is the fifth UC signal-caller to see action this year, by (1903), Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd/ in the first four games. along with Tony Pike, Dustin Grutza, Zach Collaros, and Grant Field (1914), the (1914) and Cornell’s ff UC recorded seven sacks against Pittsburgh, the most Chazz Anderson. Schoellkopf Stadium (1915). sacks UC has recorded this season besting the four UC ff Though the permanent stadium first came into use in tallied at West Virginia. A DRAMATIC RETURN ... 1916, UC has been playing on the site since 1902. ff UC leads the league with 36 sacks this season. ff Quarterback Dustin Grutza relieved an injured Tony Pike with 8:20 left in the Bearcats’ 28-20 win at Louisville. sellouts at nippert ... DEFENSE GETTING OFF THE FIELD ... ff Grutza, still not at 100 percent following a broken right ff Highlighted by a sellout against Pittsburgh on Nov. 22, ff The Bearcats moved into the BIG EAST lead in opponent fibula in UC’s game at Oklahoma on Sept. 6, led the Cincinnati established a single-season attendance record third down conversions, holding foes to a 29.7 percent Bearcats on a five-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a of 191,788, an average of 31,965 fans, for six home games mark on third down. six-yard scamper from John Goebel that put UC up 28-20 at Nippert Stadium. ff Opposing teams have converted 58 times in 195 tries. with 6:29 left in the game. ff Including the 2008 campaign, Nippert Stadium has enjoyed ff Over the past five games, the defense is holding its ff The key play on the drive was a 24-yard pass from Grutza a total of 17 sellouts in its lengthy history. opponents to a 22.9 percent clip on third down (17-74). to Dominick Goodman on third-and-five that set up ff Nippert Stadium’s 12 largest crowds are listed below. Goebel’s touchdown run. STOUT DEFENSE ... Att. Date Opponent Result ff UC held Pittsburgh to six yards of total offense in the third A NOTE ON QUARTERBACKS ... 35,098 11/22/08 Pittsburgh W, 28-21* quarter and finished the game by holding the Panthers to ff The Bearcats have played five signal callers during the 2008 35,097 11/17/07 West Virginia L, 28-23* 35 yards of net rushing. season, one of three teams in the NCAA FBS to do so. 35,097 10/13/07 Louisville L, 28-24* ff UC sits with Eastern Michigan and Washington State with 35,097 09/22/07 Marshall W, 40-14* BARWIN RANKS ON SACK CHARTS ... five QBs played this season. 35,097 09/02/01 Purdue L, 19-14* ff Connor Barwin, the team leader in sacks with 11, ranks ff If you count the pass attempts of Marcus Barnett and 34,603 11/29/08 Syracuse W, 30-10 third in school history for sacks in a season. Kevin Huber, the Bearcats have had seven players take an 32,924 10/28/00 Miami (OH) W, 45-15 ff Barwin had his first sack in four games in the second offensive snap in the QB position. 32,370 10/11/08 Rutgers W, 13-10 quarter against Pittsburgh. 32,117 09/26/98 Indiana L, 48-14 ff He recorded two sacks in the second half, giving him three A KENTUCKY COMEBACK ... 31,629 09/20/08 Miami (OH) W, 45-20 for the game, the first time this season a UC player has ff The comeback win after trailing 17-14 at the half was the 31,478 10/05/02 Miami (OH) L, 31-26 recorded three sacks in a game. third for a Brian Kelly coached team at Cincinnati. 31,175 10/30/08 USF W, 24-10 ff He ranks first in the BIG EAST and 14th nationally, ff Earlier this season, UC trailed Akron 9-7 at the half and *-Sellouts averaging 0.9 sacks per game. won 17-15 and in 2007, the Bearcats trailed 17-7 at the half and won 28-23. uc in overtime games DYNAMIC DUO ... ff The Bearcats snapped a five game skid against the ff Mardy Gilyard and Dominick Goodman each had 100- Cardinals and took possession of the Keg Of Nails for the Year Opponent Final (OT) plus receiving yard games against Pittsburgh, the second first time since 2002. 1996 Miami (Ohio) W, 30-23 (3OT) time this season the two receivers have notched 100-plus 1997 at Houston L, 41-38 (2OT) receiving yards in a game. GILYARD IN THE RECORD BOOKS ... at Miami (Ohio) W, 34-31 (2OT) ff The duo also tallied 100-plus yards against Eastern ff Mardy Gilyard ran the opening kickoff of the game back 1999 UAB L, 24-21 (OT) Kentucky, becoming the first two to do so since Albert 100 yards for a touchdown, tying him with Walter Heuck 2000 at Wisconsin L, 28-25 (OT) Sweet and Sean Stewart did it on Oct. 16, 1993. (vs. Denison, 1910) for the longest in school history. at Memphis W, 13-10 (OT) ff Gilyard finished with 110 receiving yards and Goodman ff It is the 13th 100-yard touchdown return in BIG EAST 2002 TCU W, 36-29 (OT) tallied 101 receiving yards against Pittsburgh. history and the first since Louisville’s Trent Guy ran one back 2003 Temple W, 30-24 (3OT) 100 yards on Sept. 15, 2007 against Kentucky. at USF L, 24-17 (2OT) FILLING THE TROPHY CASE ... ff It is Gilyard’s second kick-off return for a touchdown this 2007 at No. 20/23 West Virginia W, 26-23 (OT) ff Each year, UC plays for three trophies, the Victory Bell season, setting a UC record. He returned a kickoff 97 yards (Miami [OH]), the Keg Of Nails (Louisville), and the River against Oklahoma on Sept. 4. Cincinnati’s Records In... All Overtime Games...... 6-4 City Rivalry Trophy (Pittsburgh). ff Gilyard has the two longest kickoff returns of the season in One Overtime:...... 3-2 ff The Bearcats won the Victory Bell for the third-straight the BIG EAST. He is the eighth league player to return two Two Overtimes:...... 1-2 year with a 45-20 win over Miami (OH) on Sept. 20. kicks for touchdowns in the same season. He is now tied Three Overtimes:...... 2-0 ff UC reclaimed the Keg Of Nails for the first time since 2002 with Mel Riggins (1970-71) for the UC career lead with two Overtime at Home...... 3-1 at Louisville on Nov. 14. kickoff return touchdowns. Overtime on the Road...... 3-3 ff The Bearcats won the River City Rivalry Trophy for the first Overtime Coin Toss...... 4-7 time, thanks to a 28-21 defeat of Pittsburgh on Nov. 22. WEBSTER STOPS WEST VIRGINA ... ff The Bearcats hold the Victory Bell, Keg Of Nails, and River ff Strong safety Aaron Webster earned BIG EAST Defensive Possession Result UC OPP City Rivalry Trophy in the same season for the first time. Player of the Week honors following UC’s 26-23 overtime Touchdowns...... 7 5 ff UC also added its first BIG EAST Championship trophy. win over West Virginia on Nov. 8. Field Goals...... 5 5 ff He tallied a career-best 13 tackles, the most for any UC Missed Field Goals...... 0 3 defender this season, including two tackles for a loss. Turnovers...... 3 4

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UC IN THE BIG EAST/NATIONAL RANKINGS ff Webster entered UC’s starting lineup following the Akron ff He has two kicks over 50 yards this season and has three of game and has not relinquished his spot since. the longest seven kicks in BIG EAST history. TEAM Category No. National Conference A NOTE ON OVERTIME ... D. SMITH GRABS ANOTHER ... Rushing Offense 121.2 93 8 Passing Offense 254.1 24 2 ff UC’s 26-23 overtime win over WVU is the Bearcats’ first OT ff Senior cornerback DeAngelo Smith had an interception Total Offense 375.3 50 4 game since a 24-17 2OT loss at USF on Oct. 31, 2003. for the second-straight game at West Virginia after going Scoring Offense 27.3 51 3 ff UC’s last overtime victory also came in 2003 as they without a pick in the first seven games of the season. Rushing Defense 104.0 13 2 knocked off Temple, 30-24, in three overtimes. ff He grabbed his first interception against USF. Pass Efficiency Def. 112.9 28 3 ff The Bearcats are 6-4 all-time in overtime games. ff Smith led the nation in interceptions a year ago (8). Total Defense 316.1 26 3 Scoring Defense 20.2 26 4 PIKE TO ALLI FOR THE WIN ... COLLAROS A GAMER ... Net Punting 41.5 1 1 ff Tight end Kazeem Alli sealed UC’s 26-23 overtime win at WVU ff Twice this season, redshirt freshman Zach Collaros has Punt Returns 9.4 53 4 on a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Pike. been called upon in a late-game situation and twice the Kickoff Returns 24.2 15 1 ff Pike faked a handoff, rolled right and found Alli all by quarterback has responded. Turnover Margin -0.4 83 6 himself in the end zone. ff Collaros relieved Tony Pike on the final drive against USF Pass Defense 212.1 68 6 ff The touchdown was Alli’s second touchdown reception of and helped seal the victory, picking up a critical first down Passing Efficiency 139.38 27 2 Sacks 2.9 9 1 the year and second of his career. on a 9-yard run with under two minutes left. Tackles For Loss 6.5 29 1 ff His seven-yard scamper on third down at Akron helped Sacks Allowed 2.3 91 7 LOOKING BACK AT WEST VIRGINIA ... setup the Bearcats’ game-winning field goal. ff UC snapped a three-game losing streak against West INDIVIDUAL Virginia and won its first game in Morgantown, W.Va. ANDERSON IN THE WINGS ... Rushing since 2003. ff Quarterback Chazz Anderson filled in admirably for an Ramsey 48.5 - 7 ff The Bearcats held West Virginia to 98 yards rushing in the injured Tony Pike by leading UC to wins at Marshall and Goebel 44.7 - 9 game, becoming the first team since Virginia Tech on Oct. against Rutgers. 6, 2001 to hold the Mountaineers under 100 yards on the ff In three games this season, the redshirt freshman is 46- Passing Efficiency ground in a game. of-75 for 520 yards, two touchdowns and three picks. Pike 141.07 29 2 ff He also has a pair of rushing touchdowns. IRONCATS ... Total Offense ff Several members of the UC squad have started 20 or more UC EARNS AFCA RECOGNITION ... Pike 201.0 67 4 consecutive games at their respective positions. ff UC recently received 2008 American Football Coaches Receptions Per Game ff Trevor Canfield, 38, offensive line. Association Academic Achievement honorable mention Goodman 6.5 t-20 2 ff Dominick Goodman, 31, wide receiver. accolades for its recent Graduation Success Rate of over 90 Gilyard 5.6 39 3 ff Adam Hoppel, 25, defensive tackle. percent for the entering class of 2001. ff Ryan Manalac, 24, linebacker. ff The award is given based on the NCAA’s Graduation Success Receiving Yards Per Game ff Corey Smith, 23, linebacker Rate formula, which measures the academic success of Gilyard 86.0 20 2 ff DeAngelo Smith, 26, defensive back. student-athletes on a six-year graduation window. Goodman 81.4 t-30 3 ff UC was one of seven programs nationally, including BYRD MAKES KEY STOP AGAINST MOUNTAINEERS ... Colorado, Duke, Navy, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Vanderbilt Interceptions ff While senior defensive tackle Terrill Byrd’s numbers may to achieve over the 90 percent plateau. Mickens 0.40 30 2 be down this year, don’t doubt his impact on the outcome ff Forty-six programs across the country graduated 70 of games during the 2008 season. percent or more of their football student-athletes. Punting Huber 44.9 7 1 ff Byrd’s sack of WVU quarterback Pat White in overtime placed the Mountaineers in a fourth-and-three situation GILYARD SHOWS HIS CLASS ... Punt Returns from the seven-yard line and forced them into kicking a ff Early in the second quarter of UC’s win over USF, UC junior D. Smith 9.1 47 3 field goal, leading to UC’s winning touchdown. wide receiver Mardy Gilyard caught the ball in the back of ff Byrd finished the game with six tackles, 1.5 sacks along the endzone on a 31- yard pass play. Kickoff Returns with 1.5 tackles for a loss. ff The pass was ruled out of bounds, but Gilyard was unable Gilyard 28.0 9 1 to stop his momentum and the 6-1, 180 pound wide ROGERS TIES RECORD MARK ... receiver flipped into the stands and landed on a seven- Field Goals ff Jake Rogers made field goals of 47 and 31 yards in the first year old fan Garrett Monroe. Rogers 1.2 41 4 quarter of UC’s 26-23 overtime win at West Virginia. ff Shocked by the unexpected collision, the little boy started ff He made 13-consecutive field goals dating back to the crying. Before returning to the field, Gilyard stopped to All-Purpose Runners 2007 season, tying for the school record with Jonathan make sure the kid was okay. He even gave him a hug. Gilyard 155.8 18 2 Ruffin (2002). ff Video of the play can be seen here … http://www. Sacks ff Rogers connected on his last two attempts of the 2007 youtube.com/watch?v=vNyB3IkKd7Q Barwin 0.9 14 1 season and hit his first 11 in 2008 before missing a 29- Nelms 0.5 t-63 t-4 yard attempt just prior to halftime vs. WVU. BEARCATS SEND FOUR TO 2009 ... ff The sophomore was named one of 20 semifinalists for the ff Four UC players, Trevor Canfield, Kevin Huber, Mike Tackles For Loss 2008 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award presented Mickens, and DeAngelo Smith, have been invited the Nelms 1.1 52 6 by the FedEx Orange Bowl. 2009 Senior Bowl. Barwin 1.0 t-56 t-7 ff He had a career-best three field goals made at UConn on ff It is the second time in school history that UC has sent Oct. 25, including a season-long of 54 yards. four players to the senior bowl (1997) and the first since

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joining the BIG EAST. ff Starting center Chris Jurek went down with an ankle 2008 WEEKLY BIG EAST HONORS ff No school among the current BIG EAST membership has injury in the first half and backup Evan Davis did not suit BIG EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK sent more than three players to the game since 2005. up due to mono. OFFENSIVE ff UC is the 16th school to send four or more players to the ff Kelce’s spot at left guard was filled by redshirt freshman Dustin Grutza (QB) Sept. 2 game since 2005, joining some of the best programs in Alex Hoffman. Jurek’s status is day-to-day. ff 21-of-28, 296 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD. the country (Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida). ff UC has sent 21 players to the Senior Bowl with Trent Cole HUBER EARNS BIG EAST WEEKLY AWARD ... DEFENSIVE the last to earn the honor in 2004. During the 1960 event, ff Punter Kevin Huber was named the BIG EAST Special Aaron Webster (DB) Nov. 9 former standout Jackie Lee earned MVP honors. Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 13. ff Had a career-best 13 tackles, including two tackles for ff The 2009 game takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 24, 2009 ff Huber averaged 46.4 yards on a career-high nine punts a loss. UC became the first team to hold West Virginia at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. and dropped five inside the 12-yard line in Cincinnati’s under 100 yards rushing since 2001. 13-10 win against Rutgers. HUBER A SEMIFINALIST FOR RAY GUY ... ff He pinned the Scarlet Knights on their 3-, 11- and 12- SPECIAL TEAMS ff Senior punter Kevin Huber was named one of 10 yard lines to start three fourth-quarter drives and forced Mardy Gilyard (KR) Sept. 8 semifinalists for the 2008 Ray Guy Award. Rutgers to an average starting field position of its own ff 246 kickoff return yards (BIG EAST/UC Record), 365 all- ff Huber, a 2007 consensus all-American and finalist for 17-yard line for the game. purpose yards (UC record), 97-yard kickoff TD return. the 2007 Ray Guy Award was the BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 13. RANKING BRIAN KELLY THROUGH 20 GAMES ... Connor Barwin (DE) Oct. 6 ff Huber was named a midseason all-American by ff UC head coach Brian Kelly is 16-4 in his first 20 games, the ff Two blocked punts, including one for a safety at CBSSports.com, and the Sporting News. He was also a top mark among UC football coaches who have coached Marshall. Also had three tackles, a sack and a PBU. midseason selection to Phil Steele’s First-Team All-BIG 20 or more games. EAST and Second-Team All-America squads. ff Two coaches, Dana King (1931-34) and (1949- Kevin Huber (P) Oct. 13 54) went 14-6 in their first 20 games at the helm. ff Averaged 46.4 yards on a career-high nine punts and CONVERTING ... ff (1945-48) was 13-7, Robert Burch (1909-11) put five inside the 12-yard line forcing Rutgers to an ff On the opening drive of the USF game, the UC offense was 12-7-1, and (1969-72), average starting field position of its own 17-yard line. ended a string of 25 straight third downs without a (2004-06), and (1981-82) all went 11-9. conversion with a 13-yard pass from Tony Pike to Dominick Mardy Gilyard (KR) Nov. 9 Goodman on a 3rd and 9. WOODS PUTTING IT TOGETHER ... ff Returned the opening kickoff at West Virginia 100 yards ff UC ended the game 5-for-10 on third downs. ff D.J. Woods finished the Rutgers game with a career high for a touchdown, his second return TD of the season. in receiving yards (67), receptions (4), and career long SOMEONE GET THIS GUY A CAPE ... (24-yards). Woods had four total receptions on the season Jake Rogers (K) Nov. 30 ff Converted defensive end Connor Barwin is putting coming in to the game. ff Rogers kicked three field goals, including a pair of together a season to remember. ff Against UConn, he had a career-long 40-yard punt return. 45-yard scores against Syracuse. ff Barwin leads the league lead in sacks (11) and is 14th The return was the longest for any UC player this season. nationally in sacks per game (0.9). BIG EAST HONOR ROLL ff Against USF, Barwin showed his receiver form, catching HUBER & MICKENS EARN MIDWAY ALL-AMERICA NODS ... Connor Barwin (DE) Sept. 2 a 1-yard touchdown pass from Tony Pike in UC’s goaline ff Kevin Huber and Mike Mickens were named Midseason Tony Pike (QB) Sept. 22 package. All-Americans by CBSSports.com. Mardy Gilyard (WR) Sept. 29 ff Barwin may be the only player in the country this year to ff The duo were also midseason selections to Phil Steele’s Mike Mickens (DB) Sept. 29 record a sack (10), block a punt (3) and catch a TD pass (1). Second-Team All-America squad. Mike Mickens (DB) Oct. 6 ff He blocked two punts, the second and third of his career, ff Huber was also named a midseason All-American by The Chazz Anderson (QB) Oct. 12 in the first quarter of the Marshall game, with one going Sporting News. Connor Barwin (DE) Oct. 12 for a safety. Mike Mickens (DB) Nov. 3 ff He added his third blocked kick of the year at UConn. ANDERSON IS UC’S FOURTH QB OF THE SEASON ... Tony Pike (QB) Nov. 3 ff He was named the BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the ff Chazz Anderson is the fourth UC quarterback to see action Tony Pike (QB) Nov. 10 Week on Oct. 6. during the 2008 season and the third different starter. Mardy Gilyard (KR) Nov. 17 ff ESPN’s Todd McShea recently named him as one of the top- ff He is the fifth different starting quarterback in Brian Dominick Goodman (WR) Nov. 17 five underrated prospects entering the 2009 NFL Draft. Kelly’s 20 games as UC’s head coach. Brandon Underwood (DB) Nov. 17 ff Other UC starting QBs were Nick Davilla, Dustin Grutza, Connor Barwin (DE) Nov. 24 SACK ATTACK ... Ben Mauk and Tony Pike. Tony Pike (QB) Nov. 24 ff The Bearcats defense has recorded 17 sacks in its past six Mardy Gilyard (WR) Nov. 30 games after only netting just four sacks in the first three FIRST-TIME STARTERS AT MARSHALL ... Tony Pike (QB) Nov. 30 games of the 2008 season. ff Alex Hoffman made his first career start at left guard for ff Seven players have recorded sacks through seven games, an injured Jason Kelce. with Connor Barwin’s seven sacks leading the way. ff Aaron Webster made his first career start at strong safety. ff Lamonte Nelms (4.5), Curtis Young (3), Adam Hoppel (2), and Terrill Byrd (1.5) also have multiple sacks this year. RUNNING GAME STRONG AT MARSHALL ... ff The UC running backs produced 203 yards on the ground KELCE SUBS IN FOR JUREK ... at Marshall, the units’ second-best output of the season. ff Offensive lineman Jason Kelce was pressed into duty at ff Jacob Ramsey carried the ball 17 times for a career-high center in UC’s 24-10 win over USF at Nippert Stadium. 99 yards. ff Kelce also started UC’s 26-23 overtime win at WVU. ff True freshman Isaiah Pead saw his first significant action of

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UC TEAM HONORS the season and had a career-best 59 yards on 11-straight ff SYRACUSE: Grutza & D. Smith carries in the waning minutes of the game. ff HAWAI’I: Cornett & Grutza Newcomer of the Year...... Dominique Battle ff John Goebel recorded his fourth touchdown of the season on a career-long 21 yard run in the second quarter. UNSUNG HEROES ... Scout Team Players of the Year ff Goebel finished with 56 yards on eight carries, a 7.0 yards ff The quality of the UC special teams begins with long snapper Offense...... Danny Milligan per carry average. Mike Windt, who was nearly flawless last season. Defense...... Walter Stewart ff It marked the first time UC had three rushers run for 50 or ff He is 119-for-119 in 2008. more yards since the 2007 opener against SEMO. Outstanding Back ...... DeAngelo Smith FORCING TURNOVERS ... PAGING MR. HUBER ... ff UC had its 19-game streak of forcing a turnover snapped Outstanding Receiver ...... Dominick Goodman ff The Bearcats did not punt in the Miami (Ohio) game, the against Rutgers (10/11). UC had forced a turnover in first time UC has not punted in a game since Oct. 17, 1998, 19-straight games, dating back to the 2007 International John Pease Outstanding Lineman a 41-23 loss to Memphis, a span of 116 games. Bowl, the debut of Brian Kelly as UC’s head coach. Offense:...... Jeff Linkenbach ff The Bearcats are 10-0 under Kelly when forcing more Defense...... Terrill Byrd KELLY’S MILESTONE WINS ... turnovers then their opponents. ff With UC’s 45-20 win over Miami (OH), UC head coach Brian Special Teams Player of the Year...... Brandon Underwood Kelly became the only active BIG EAST coach with 150 PIKE EFFICIENT AND RECORD SETTING IN FIRST START ... career victories. ff Tony Pike made his first career start against Miami (OH), Jim Kelly Coaches Spirit Award ff Among active NCAA FBS head coaches with at least five finishing 20-of-24 for 241 yards and three touchdowns. Offense...... Dustin Grutza years experience, Kelly is one of 13 at or within three games ff Pike’s three passing touchdowns in his first start are the Defense...... Lamonte Nelms of 150 career wins. most ever by a UC quarterback. ff Kelly’s milestone wins are listed below: ff Pike’s completion percentage of .833 is tied for the school C-Club Strothman Award ...... Ryan Manalac single-game record with , who also hit the (Academic and Athletic Excellence) Win year Opp. Score mark on Nov. 20, 2004 against USF. 1 1991 St. Joseph’s (Ind.)# 31-3 ff His passing efficiency rating of 208.9 is the fifth-best in school Glenn Sample Community Service Award...... Mardy Gilyard 25 1994 St. Francis (Ill.)# 49-7 history and the 10th-best in the NCAA FBS this season. 50 1997 at Ferris State# 21-18 ff Of Pike’s four incompletions, one was tipped, and two Claude Rost Most Valuable Player...... Connor Barwin 75 2000 Michigan Tech# 31-29 were thrown away while evading the rush. 100 2002 Findlay# 63-19 FUTURE SCHEDULES 125 2005 at Army^ 14-10 HANGING ON TO THE VICTORY BELL ... 150 2008 Miami (OH) 45-20 ff For the third-straight year, UC retains the Victory Bell, the ff UC will continue to schedule top-flight opponents in the #- at Grand Valley State; ^ at Central Michigan symbolic trophy of the Bearcats rivalry with Miami (Ohio), coming years. UC’s future opponents are listed below. QUARTERBACKS FIRST STARTS IN THE KELLY ERA ... after knocking off the RedHawks, 45-20. ff It is UC’s first three-game streak over the RedHawks since ff Five times in the past 20 games, UC will field a first-time 2009 a four-game winning streak from 1986-89. ff vs. Southeast Missouri State signal caller in head coach Brian Kelly’s offense. ff made the start in the 2007 International Bowl, ff vs. Fresno State TO THE HOUSE ... ff at Miami (OH) Ben Mauk opened the 2007 season against Southeast ff Mike Mickens recorded an interception for touchdown ff at Oregon State Missouri State, Dustin Grutza started against Miami (OH) on Sept. 15,2007, Tony Pike took the field against Miami (OH) in the third quarter against Miami (OH), his 11th career on Sept. 20, 2008, and Chazz Anderson started at Marshall. interception and the third career interception he has 2010 returned for a touchdown, tying him for UC’s all-time lead ff vs. Miami (OH) with Shawn Ferguson (1995-98). ff vs. Oklahoma ( Stadium) DATE qB OPP. C-A-i yDS. tD 01/06/07 Davila Western Mich. 19-35-2 214 2 ff at N.C. State DROUGHTS IN THE RETURN GAME ... ff at Fresno State 08/30/07 Mauk SE Missouri St. 18-27-1 244 1 09/15/07 Grutza Miami (OH) 25-35-0 290 2 ff Twelve years and 130 games have passed since the Bearcats 09/20/08 Pike Miami (OH) 20-24-0 241 3 have run a punt back for a touchdown, tied for the second- 2011 longest streak nationally. ff vs. Akron 10/03/08 Anderson Marshall 16-26-1 158 2 ff The last UC player to run a punt back for a score was Tinker ff vs. N.C. State OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN ... Keck, who ran punts of 44 and 78 yards back for touchdowns ff at Miami (OH) against Louisville on Nov. 8, 1997. ff The Bearcats have employed a game-by-game approach this season when it comes to selecting team captains. 2012 CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITHOUT A PUNT RETURN TD... ff EASTERN KENTUCKY: Dustin Grutza & DeAngelo Smith ff vs. Virginia Tech School Games ff OKLAHOMA: Connor Barwin & Dominick Goodman ff at Ohio State 1. Navy 151 ff MIAMI (OH): Trevor Canfield & Corey Smith 2. Cincinnati 130 ff AKRON: Khalil El-Amin & Lamonte Nelms 2014 Rice 130 ff MARSHALL: Craig Carey & Jacob Ramsey ff at Ohio State 4. Vanderbilt 114 ff RUTGERS: Delbert Ferguson & Marcus Waugh 5. Florida Atlantic 94 ff UConn: Barwin & Tony Pike 6. Nevada 92 ff USF: Torry Cornett, Goodman, Mike Mickens, C. Smith 7. New Mexico 88 ff WEST VIRGINIA: Grutza & D. Smith 8. TCU 87 ff LOUISVILLE: Grutza ff PITTSBURGH: Grutza & Mickens

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 21 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST

MINInG THE LOCAL TALENT ... ff He took his first punt back for 25 yards in the second quarter QUICK FACTS ff UC head coach Brian Kelly has been able to stay close to his and made his first career catch in the third vs. EKU. Location...... Cincinnati, OH 45221 home base in gathering the talent that makes up the UC ff Woods was an Associated Press Second-Team All-Ohio Founded...... 1819 football team. selection in 2007 at Strongsville HS despite missing the Enrollment...... 36,518 ff Thirty-three of UC’s players, over thirty percent, hail from final five games of the season. Affiliation...... NCAA Division I the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area. Conference...... BIG EAST ff Sixty-two, or over 50 percent, are Ohio natives. FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT...HE’S GOT TO WEAR SHADES ... Nickname ...... Bearcats ff Armon Binns, the lone Californian on the roster, also is ff Junior wide receiver Mardy Gilyard is sporting a new look Colors...... Red & Black the furtherst from his hometown. It’s 2,167 miles from on the field this year – sunglasses. Home Field ...... Nippert Stadium Pasadena, Calif. to UC, as the crow flies. ff Gilyard had LASIK surgery in the off season and wears the Surface/Capacity ...... FieldTurf/35,000 shades to deal with light sensitivity. President ...... Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher HUBER NAMED CAS STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH ... Alma Mater, Year ...... Ohio State, 1968 ff Punter Kevin Huber was named the College of Applied NEW THREADS FOR UC ... Athletics Director ...... Mike Thomas Sciences (CAS) Scholar-Athlete of the Month for September. ff The Bearcats unveiled new adidas uniforms for the home Alma Mater, Year ...... Colorado State, 1983 ff Huber is a finance major in the College of Business with a opener against Eastern Kentucky on Aug. 28. Faculty Representative ...... Dr. Fritz Russ 3.33 overall GPA. ff The most noticeable addition to the uniforms will be the ff Each month of the academic year, the College of Applied new “cat scratch” logo that was specially designed by the History Science, will recognize a UC scholar-athlete who has adidas design team in Portland, Ore. First Year of Football ...... 1885 demonstrated success both in the classroom and in an ff The four scratch marks coincide with UC’s nationally All-time Record ...... 535-540-51 athletics arena. recognized “C-Paw” logo which features four claws atop All-time Bowl Record ...... 6-4 the “C.” Last Bowl ...... 2007 Papajohns.com Bowl GILYARD HAS RECORD-SETTING DAY AT OKLAHOMA ... ff Beginning this fall, all 18 UC teams will be outfitted Last Bowl Opponent ...... Southern Miss (W, 31-21) ff Wide receiver/kick returner Mardy Gilyard was named the exclusively in adidas footwear, uniforms, training apparel, BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 8. and accessories. Key Phone Numbers ff Gilyard set a BIG EAST record with 246 yards on kickoff ff There are six possible uniform combinations - black jersey/ Athletics Department ...... (513) 556-4603 returns and had a school-record 365 all-purpose yards (119 black pants - white jersey/white pants - white jersey/black Nippert Stadium Press Box ...... (513) 556-1010 receiving, 246 return yards) in the Bearcats’ 52-26 loss at pants - black jersey/white pants - red jersey/white pants - No. 4/4 Oklahoma. red jersey/black pants. 2007 Information ff He scored a touchdown on a 97-yard kickoff return and also ff The red jersey combinations will be worn annually as part Overall Record ...... 10-3 finished with seven receptions for 119 yards. of the Ring of Red game. This season’s Ring of Red game Home /Road/Neutral ...... 4-2/ 5-1/ 1-0 ff His kickoff return for a score snapped UC’s 13-year, 145- will be Saturday, Nov. 22 vs. River City Rival Pittsburgh. BIG EAST Record/Finish ...... 4-3/3rd game streak without a kickoff return for a touchdown. The ff There is no change to the helmet. Home /Road ...... 2-2/2-1 streak was tied for the third-longest active streak in the Final Ranking ...... 17 (AP)/20 (USA Today) NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. broadcasting milestone ... ff The 97-yard return is his career best, the fourth-longest in ff UC radio analyst Jim Kelly, Jr. broadcast his 200th game as a 2008 Team Information school history, and the fourth-longest nationally in 2008. member of the radio team against Miami (OH) on Sept. 20. Basic Offense ...... Spread ff It was the 19th kickoff return for a touchdown in school ff Kelly, in his 18th year on the air, was a standout receiver for Basic Defense ...... 4-3 history and the 52nd in BIG EAST history. UC in the mid 1970’s. Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 44/20 ff Gilyard’s 246 kickoff return yards, the best single-game ff He is the son of UC legend Jim Kelly, Sr. who was associated Offense ...... 20/12 total nationally this season, broke the previous school with the Bearcats for over 40 years as an athlete, assistant Defense ...... 21/8 record of Roger Stephens (218 vs. Dayton), set in 1947. coach and administrator. Special Teams ...... 3/0 ff It also broke Najeh Davenport’s (Miami, Fla.) previous BIG Starters Returning/Lost ...... 16/9 EAST single-game mark of 208 yards (11/28/98). NOTING THE SCHEDULE ... Offense ...... 7/4 ff He was awarded a helmet sticker by ESPN’s College ff One of only three schools nationally with three games Defense ...... 6/5 Gameday Final crew of Rece Davis, Mark May and Lou Holtz against teams that played in the 2008 BCS, the Bearcats Special Teams ...... 3/0 following the Oklahoma game. are the lone school in college football meeting two BCS representatives in non-league tilts. COACHING STAFF TRUE FRESHMAN TAKE TO THE FIELD ... ff Five of the Bearcats 13 opponents (Connecticut, Eastern Head Coach...... Brian Kelly (Assumption ‘83) ff Six true freshmen were among 20 Bearcats making their Kentucky, Hawai’i, Oklahoma, and West Virginia) either Record at UC/Years...... 22-5/1 first appearance for UC in the season opener against EKU. won outright or shared their respective league titles in 2007 Career Record/Years...... 159-56-2/18 ff D.J. Woods (WR), Dominique Battle (DB), J.K. Schafer (LB), and three finished in the final AP Top 25 Poll. Asst. Head Coach/DL...... Keith Gilmore Nick Truesdell (WR), Derek Wolfe (DL) and Evan Davis (OL) Asst. Coaches...... Jeff Quinn (OC/OL), Joe Tresey (DC), all took the field against the Colonels. A BRIEF LOOK BACK AT 2007 ... Mike Elston (STC/TE), Kerry Coombs (DB), ff A seventh true freshman, Isaiah Pead, made his first ff The 2007 season proved to be one of the most successful in Greg Forest (QB), Tim Hinton (RB), appearance in the Akron game. the history of University of Cincinnati football. William Inge (LB), Charley Molnar (WR) ff For the first time in school history, Cincinnati earned an Asst. AD/Football Ops...... John Widecan WOODS MAKES AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT ... appearance in the final Associated Press Poll, ending the ff D.J. Woods, who was held out of contact during fall camp season ranked No. 17. due to a blood disorder, made an immediate impact in his ff The Bearcats capped off the season with a 31-21 victory in UC debut against EKU. the 2007 Papajohns.com Bowl, giving them 10 wins on the ff Woods has Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a year – equaling the school record for single-season wins – blood disorder which prevents clotting. and their third consecutive bowl championship.

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 22 GAME 14 u vs. NO. 21/19 VIRGINIA TECH record u 11-2/6-1 BIG EAST UC’S 2008 OPPONENTS EASTERN KENTUCKY (8-4) MARSHALL (4-8) Nov. 9...... Cincinnati *...... L, 26-23 (OT) Aug. 28...... at Cincinnati...... L, 40-7 Aug. 30...... Illinois State...... W, 35-10 Nov. 22...... at Louisville *...... W, 35-21 Sept. 6...... Western Kentucky...... L, 37-13 Sept. 6...... at Wisconsin...... L, 51-14 Nov. 28 ...... at Pittsburgh *...... L, 19-15 Sept. 13...... Morehead State...... W, 16-8 Sept. 13...... Memphis...... W, 17-16 Dec. 6...... USF *...... W, 13-7 Sept. 20...... at Tennessee State *...... L, 34-20 Sept. 20...... at Southern Miss *...... W, 34-27 Dec. 27...... North Carolina (Meineke Car Care Bowl) Sept. 27...... Austin Peay *...... W, 13-10 (OT) Sept. 27...... at West Virginia...... L, 27-3 Oct. 4...... at Tennessee Tech *...... W, 33-12 Oct. 3...... Cincinnati...... L, 33-10 LOUISVILLE (5-7) Oct. 11...... Jacksonville State *...... W, 38-35 Oct. 18...... at UAB *...... L, 23-21 Aug. 31...... Kentucky...... L, 27-2 Oct. 25...... Eastern Illinois *...... W, 20-7 Oct. 28...... Houston *...... W, 37-23 Sept. 6...... Tennessee Tech...... W, 51-10 Nov. 1...... at Southeast Missouri *...... W, 29-16 Nov. 8...... at East Carolina *...... L, 19-16 (OT) Sept. 17...... Kansas State...... W, 38-29 Nov. 15...... Murray State *...... W, 34-7 Nov. 15...... UCF *...... L, 30-14 Sept. 27...... Connecticut *...... L, 26-21 Nov. 22...... at Tennessee Martin *...... W, 33-31 Nov. 22...... at Rice *...... L, 35-10 Oct. 10...... at Memphis...... W, 35-28 Nov. 29...... at Richmond...... L, 38-10 Nov. 29...... Tulsa *...... L, 38-35 Oct. 18...... Middle Tennessee...... W, 42-23 Oct. 25...... USF *...... W, 24-20 OKLAHOMA (12-1) RUTGERS (7-5) Nov. 1...... at Syracuse *...... L, 28-21 Aug. 30...... Chattanooga...... W, 57-2 Aug. 30...... Howard...... L, 24-7 Nov. 8...... at Pittsburgh *...... L, 41-7 Sept. 6...... Cincinnati...... W, 52-26 Sept. 11...... North Carolina...... L, 44-12 Nov. 14...... Cincinnati *...... L, 28-20 Sept. 13...... at Washington...... W, 55-14 Sept. 20...... at Navy...... L, 23-21 Nov. 22...... West Virginia *...... L, 35-23 Sept. 27...... TCU...... W, 35-10 Sept. 27...... Morgan State...... W, 38-0 Dec. 4...... at Rutgers *...... L, 63-14 Oct. 4...... at Baylor *...... W, 49-17 Oct. 4...... at West Virginia *...... L, 24-17 Oct. 11...... at Texas *...... L, 45-35 Oct. 11...... at Cincinnati *...... L, 13-10 PITTSBURGH (9-3) Oct. 18...... Kansas *...... W, 45-31 Oct. 18...... Connecticut *...... W, 12-10 Aug. 30...... Bowling Green...... L, 27-17 Oct. 25...... at Kansas State *...... W, 58-35 Oct. 25...... at Pittsburgh *...... W, 54-34 Sept. 6...... Buffalo...... W, 27-16 Nov. 1...... Nebraska *...... W, 62-28 Nov. 8...... Syracuse *...... W, 35-17 Sept. 20...... Iowa...... W, 21-20 Nov. 8...... at Texas A&M *...... W, 66-28 Nov. 15...... at USF *...... W, 49-16 Sept. 27...... at Syracuse *...... W. 34-24 Nov. 22...... Texas Tech *...... W, 65-21 Nov. 22...... Army...... W, 30-3 Oct. 2...... at USF *...... W, 26-21 Nov.29...... at Oklahoma State *...... W, 61-41 Dec. 4...... Louisville *...... W, 63-14 Oct. 18...... at Navy...... W, 42-21 Dec. 6...... vs. Missouri...... W, 62-21 Dec. 29...... vs. NC State (PapaJohns.com Bowl) Oct. 25...... Rutgers *...... L, 54-34 Jan. 8...... vs. Florida (BCS National Championship) Nov. 1...... at Notre Dame...... W, 36-33 (4OT) CONNECTICUT (7-5) Nov. 8...... Louisville *...... W, 41-7 MIAMI (OH) (2-10) Aug. 28...... Hofstra...... W, 35-3 Nov. 22...... at Cincinnati *...... L, 28-21 Aug. 28...... Vanderbilt...... L, 34-13 Sept. 6...... at Temple...... W, 12-9 (OT) Nov. 28...... West Virginia*...... W, 19-15 Sept. 6...... at Michigan...... L, 16-6 Sept. 13...... Virginia...... W, 45-10 Dec. 6...... at Connecticut *...... W, 34-10 Sept. 13...... Charleston Southern...... W, 38-27 Sept. 19...... Baylor...... W, 31-28 Dec. 31...... vs. Oregon State (Brut Sun Bowl) Sept. 20...... at Cincinnati...... L, 45-20 Sept. 26...... at Louisville *...... W, 26-21 Oct. 4...... Temple *...... L, 28-10 Oct. 4...... at North Carolina...... L, 38-12 SYRACUSE (3-9) Oct. 11...... at Northern Illinois *...... L, 17-13 Oct. 18...... at Rutgers *...... L, 12-10 Aug. 31...... at Northwestern...... L, 30-10 Oct. 18...... at Bowling Green *...... W, 27-20 Oct. 25...... Cincinnati *...... W, 40-16 Sept. 6...... Akron...... L, 42-28 Oct. 25...... Kent State *...... L, 54-21 Nov. 1...... West Virginia *...... L, 35-13 Sept. 13...... Penn State...... L, 55-13 Nov. 4...... at Buffalo *...... L, 37-17 Nov. 15...... at Syracuse *...... W, 39-14 Sept. 20...... Northeastern...... W, 30-21 Nov. 11...... Ball State *...... L, 31-16 Nov. 23...... at USF *...... L, 17-13 Sept. 27...... Pittsburgh *...... L, 34-24 Nov. 21...... at Toledo *...... L, 42-14 Dec. 6...... Pittsburgh * ...... L, 34-10 Oct. 11...... at West Virginia *...... L, 17-6 Nov. 28...... Ohio *...... L, 41-26 Jan. 3...... vs. Buffalo (International Bowl) Oct. 18...... at USF *...... L, 45-13 Nov. 1...... Louisville *...... W, 28-21 AKRON (5-7) USF (7-5) Nov. 8...... at Rutgers *...... L, 35-17 Aug. 30...... at Wisconsin...... L, 38-17 Aug. 30...... Tennessee-Martin...... W, 56-7 Nov. 15...... Connecticut *...... L, 39-14 Sept. 6...... at Syracuse...... W, 42-28 Sept. 5...... at UCF...... W, 31-24 (OT) Nov. 22...... at Notre Dame...... W, 24-23 Sept. 13...... Ball State *...... L, 41-24 Sept. 13...... Kansas...... W, 37-34 Nov.29...... at Cincinnati *...... L, 30-10 Sept. 20...... at Army...... W, 22-3 Sept. 20...... at Florida International...... W, 17-9 Sept. 27...... Cincinnati...... L, 17-15 Sept. 27...... at NC State...... W, 41-10 HAWAI’I (7-6) Oct. 4...... at Kent State *...... W, 30-27 (OT) Oct. 2...... Pittsburgh *...... L, 26-21 Aug. 30...... at Florida...... L, 56-10 Oct. 11...... Bowling Green *...... L, 37-33 Oct. 18...... Syracuse *...... W, 45-13 Sept. 6...... Weber State...... W, 36-17 Oct. 18...... at Eastern Michigan *...... W, 42-35 Oct. 25...... at Louisville *...... L, 24-20 Sept. 13...... at Oregon State...... L, 45-7 Nov. 5...... Toledo *...... W, 47-30 Oct. 30...... at Cincinnati *...... L, 24-10 Sept. 27...... San Jose State *...... L, 20-17 Nov. 13...... Buffalo *...... L, 43-40 (4 OT) Nov. 15...... Rutgers *...... L, 49-16 Oct. 4...... at Fresno State *...... W, 32-29 (OT) Nov. 22...... at Ohio *...... L, 49-42 Nov. 22...... Connecticut *...... W, 17-13 Oct. 11...... Louisana Tech *...... W, 24-14 Nov. 28...... at Temple *...... L, 27-6 Dec. 6...... at West Virginia *...... L, 13-7 Oct. 17...... at Boise State *...... L, 27-7 Dec. 20...... vs. Memphis (MagicJack St. Petersburg Bowl) Oct. 25...... Nevada *...... W, 38-31 Nov. 1...... at Utah State *...... L, 30-14 WEST VIRGINIA (8-4) Nov. 8...... at New Mexico State *...... W, 42-30 Aug. 30...... Villanova...... W, 48-21 Nov. 22...... Idaho *...... W, 49-17 Sept. 6...... at East Carolina...... L, 24-3 Nov. 29...... Washington State...... W, 24-10 Sept. 18...... at Colorado...... L, 17-14 (OT) Dec. 6...... Cincinnati...... L, 29-24 Sept. 27...... Marshall...... W, 27-3 Dec. 24...... vs. Notre Dame (Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl) Oct. 4...... Rutgers *...... W, 24-17 Oct. 11...... Syracuse *...... W, 17-6 * Conference game Oct. 23...... Auburn...... W, 34-17 Nov. 1...... at Connecticut *...... W, 35-13

2009 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL u 23 uc football History he University of Cincinnati’s rich history and tradition in intercol- Tlegiate athletics is founded in the Bearcats football program. The football tradition that has grown over the years and last season, under the guidance of first-year head coach Brian Kelly, reached new levels as it equaled the program record for most wins in a season and for the first time ended the year ranked among the nation’s Top 25 programs, ranking No. 17 in the Associated Press Poll.

UC’s football program is one of the nation’s oldest—only Rutgers (1869), Michigan (1879), Navy (1880) and Minnesota (1883), among NCAA Division I institutions, predate Cincinnati, which began the sport in 1885.

UC has been involved in several historical college football milestones starting with Dec. 8, 1888. That day, the Bearcats and Miami Univer- sity (OH) engaged in the very first college football game played in the state of Ohio, launching a rivalry that is tied for the oldest in the game among major universities — North Carolina vs. Wake Forest began playing that same year. The Battle for the Victory Bell is the fifth-most played rivalry series in college football.

A few years later in 1897, UC received an invitation to visit New Orleans to play a football game as a reward for a successful season. The game was a precursor to the current postseason foot- ball bowl games.

In the 1930s, a UC football player wore a device with his helmet to protect his broken nose. The device was a

uc football timeline 1885 :: UC fielded its first football team under victory, the Bearcats accepted a challenge from 1914 :: Cincinnati teams first used the the organization of Arch Carson, who served as LSU and also defeated the Tigers. nickname Bearcats. the first coach. The team won a pair of games over a club from neighboring Mt. Auburn. 1898 :: Frank Cavanaugh, immortalized as the 1916 :: Construction began on permanent Iron Major, began his head coaching career stadium seating and facilities. grandfather, James Gamble, donated the 1888 :: Cincinnati and Miami University (OH) at Cincinnati. He was elected to the National money needed to finish the stadium construc- faced off in Oxford for the first college football Football Foundation Hall of Fame at the conclu- 1922 :: George McLauren, another UC mentor tion. game in the state of Ohio. The game ended sion of his illustrious career. to be elected to the College Football Hall of in a scoreless tie but launched a rivalry that is Fame, began his four-season tenure as UC’s 1924 :: Nippert Stadium was dedicated. tied for the honors of being the oldest among 1902 :: Cincinnati played its first home game head coach. major colleges. at the current site of Nippert Stadium, defeat- 1933 :: UC won the first of two straight ing Hanover, 18-0. 1923 :: Nippert Stadium was the site of the Buckeye Athletic Association titles. 1897 :: Following a 7-1-1 season — the lone first night football game in the Midwest as loss was to the fabled Carlisle Indians — 1912 :: Cincinnati scored a school-record 124 Cincinnati defeated Kentucky Wesleyan, 17-0. 1934 :: UC played its first Homecoming game, Cincinnati was invited to celebrate New Years points in a shutout win over Transylvania. Ike In the season-ending game vs. Miami (OH), defeating Marshall, 7-0. in New Orleans and play a contest against the Stewart and Bob Heuck each tallied six TDs and Jimmy Nippert sustained a spike wound and host Southern Athletic Club. A day after their Alonzo Wells kicked 12 PATs, all UC records. died a month later of blood poisoning. His 1935 :: The Bearcats’ first NFL players, Bill forerunner of the now standard face mask. The first soccer-style place kick was also attempted by a Bearcat, Hank Hartong, in the early 1960s.

Coaching luminaries have patrolled the sidelines at Cincinnati. College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Cavanaugh began his 24-season career at UC.

Sid Gillman, a member of the College and NFL Halls of Fame, was the architect of one of the top eras of Cincinnati football history. He directed the Bearcats to three conference titles and a pair of bowl game appearances during his six seasons (1949-54) before leaving for the professional ranks. Cincinnati, with Gillman developing the passing offenses which would make him successful in the pro ranks, became known for its aerial attack in the early 1950’s. That notoriety continued long after his departure.

In 1968, the Bearcats were the nation’s top passing team with quarterback leading the NCAA in total offense while receiver/kicker Jim O’Brien captured the national scoring title. A year later, Cook earned Rookie of the Year honors as a Cincinnati Bengal, and two years later, O’Brien kicked the game-winning field goal for the Baltimore Colts in the V.

With over 100 players advancing into the professional ranks, 34 earning all-America honors and 11 garnering academic all-America recognition, Cincinnati football has clearly made an important impact on college football with its long history of accomplishments.

Feldhaus (Detroit) and Ray Nolting (Chicago), lead UC to a 7-2 record before embarking on their pro careers. 1947 :: UC won its first Mid-American Confer- 1942 :: UC hosted No. 2, and eventual Rose ence championship. The Bearcats won four 1951 :: UC posted an all-time best record of 50-13-1 record and won three Mid-American Bowl winner, Georgia, at Nippert Stadium and crowns in their six-year association with the 10-1. Gene Rossi and Bob Stratton became the Conference titles. lost, 35-13. The other lone blemish on UC’s 8-2 league. first Bearcats to earn all-America recognition. record was to victor Tennessee. 1956 :: UC led the nation in punt return aver- 1949 :: Sid Gillman took over as head coach 1953 :: Cincinnati led the nation in both total age, averaging 17.7 yards per return. 1943-44 :: Football suspended due to World and promptly piloted UC to a Mid-American offense (409.5 yards per game) and total War II. Conference title and a win over Toledo in the defense (184.3), a feat accomplished by only 1959 :: Dave Canary became the first of 11 . Tom O’Malley’s 1,617 passing yards three other teams in college football history. Bearcats to earn academic all-America honors. 1946 :: UC defeated defending Big Ten Confer- led the nation. Canary eschewed pro football possibilities to ence champion Indiana in the season opener en 1954 :: Sid Gillman left for the pursue a successful acting career and became route to a 9-2 record. The season was capped by 1950 :: The Bearcats advanced to the Sun Bowl Rams after directing UC to an 8-2 ledger. In a regular in several TV series. Teammates Jack the Bearcats’ first bowl appearance. UC defeated but are edged by West Texas State, 14-13. six seasons under the eventual college and Lee and Jim Leo were named MVP of the Senior Virginia Tech, 18-6, in the Sun Bowl. pro hall of fame coach, the Bearcats posted a Bowl and College All-Star games, respectively. uc football History

BOWL-CATS Cincinnati has been to six bowl games over the last eight seasons and a total of 10 in the program’s 120 seasons. In 2007, the Bearcats knocked off Southern Mississippi, 31-21, in the Papajohn’s.com Bowl played at in Birmingham, Ala.

All-America Tradition Thirty-four Bearcats have earned all-America recognition. Mike Woods garnered first- team honors in 1977, earning him an appearance on Bob Hope’s television special.

“The Toe” Jonathan Ruffin received the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker in 2000 after booting a record 26 field goals. He was presented the award by ESPN’s Chris Fowler. uc football timeline Ruffin was also a consensus all-American that year. 1963-64 :: UC won State, only to have the Seminoles rally for a 1995 :: Robert Tate led the nation in kickoff back-to-back Missouri 26-21 win at Nippert Stadium. returns, averaging 34.3 yards on 15 returns. Valley Conference titles led the nation in total offense that year, earned Tate was named both Offensive and Special 1983 :: UC opened the season with a 14-3 under , who went on to become pro NFL Rookie of the Year in 1969. Teams MVP in Conference USA. head coach of the Houston Oilers. UC compiled a upset of defending national champion Penn 14-6 record during those two seasons. 1970 :: Bob Bell became the second Bearcat in State at Beaver Stadium. 1996 :: Cincinnati began football competi- as many seasons to be a first-round selection in tion in Conference USA. The Bearcats posted 1985 :: The Bearcats upset a pair of 1984 bowl 1968 :: Cincinnati led the nation in passing the NFL Draft. back-to-back crowds of 30,729 for Kentucky offense, averaging 335.8 yards per game. Greg teams, Virginia Tech and Boston College. and 30,887 for Miami (OH), breaking the old Cook led the nation in total offense, amassing 1976 :: Cincinnati defeated Arizona State and stadium attendance record. 1986 :: UC hosted the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes 3,210 yards, while receiver/kicker Jim O’Brien Vanderbilt en route to a 9-2 ledger. Co-captain at Nippert Stadium. was the nation’s leading scorer with 142 points. Mike Woods earned first-team all-America 1997 :: UC ended a 47 season drought without a bowl game appearance when it was selected O’Brien kicked the game-winning field goal honors and was a second-round draft pick by 1992 :: Nippert Stadium reopened to full use to play in the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl. in the closing seconds of Cincinnati’s win over the Baltimore Colts. following an extensive renovation. The Bearcats The Bearcats defeated Utah State, 35-19, and Miami (OH). O’Brien, who led the nation in hosted No. 8 Penn State in the season opener, and 1979 :: Cincinnati entered the fourth quarter finished the year 8-4. scoring that year, went on to perform similar nearly pulled off the upset before falling, 24-20. heroics in Super Bowl V. Holder Greg Cook, who with a 21-7 lead over sixth-ranked Florida Trophy Games Cincinnati’s annual clash with the Miami RedHawks is the nation’s eighth- oldest and 11th-longest running rivalry in NCAA Division I-A. The winner of the yearly fall battle claims the Victory Bell. The Bearcats are involved in a total of three trophy games. The winner of the UC-Louisville contest takes home the Keg of Nails, while the winner of the UC-Pittsburgh game stakes claim to the recently created River City Rivalry Trophy.

Upset Cats UC football has been dangerous to top teams over the years, knocking off the likes of No. 8 Wisconsin, 17-12, at home in 1999, going to defending national champion Penn State in 1983 and upending the Nittany Lions, 14-3, and dominating Virginia Tech, 16-0, in 1995 while allowing just 41 yards of offense. However, possibly the biggest upset in UC history came in 2006 as the Bearcats beat its highest-ranked opponent in Nippert Stadium history, blow- ing away then-No. 7 Rutgers, 30-11.

1999 :: Cincinnati upset No. 8 Wisconsin, 17-12 back Gino Guidugli is named the Conference 2004 :: The Bearcats recovered from a 2-4 start Though head coach Mark Dantonio and his in Nippert Stadium. USA Freshman of the Year after setting school to win five of their last six games, including a staff departed following the end of the regular and league freshman records by throwing for convincing 52-24 victory over No. 21 Southern season, new coach Brian Kelly and his staff 2000 :: UC won five of its last six games to 2,573 yards and 16 touchdowns. Miss. UC was selected for the Fort Worth Bowl directed the UC squad to a 27-24 win over finish second in Conference USA and earn a where the Bearcats defeated Marshall, 32-14. Western Michigan. bid to play Marshall in the Motor City Bowl. 2002 :: Cincinnati set school and Conference Jonathan Ruffin became UC’s first consensus USA single-game attendance marks when 2005 :: Cincinnati began play in the BIG EAST 2007 :: In Brian Kelly’s first full season as head first-team all-America choice and received the 66,319 packed to see UC Conference. coach at UC, the program equaled the school 2000 Lou Groza Award after leading the nation play eventual national champion Ohio State. single-season record for wins, posting a 10-3 in field goals. UC won its final five league games to claim 2006 :: The Bearcats posted a 7-5 regular- record and earning a No. 17 ranking in the final a share of the Conference USA title, its first season mark, playing a schedule that featured Associated Press poll. It marked the first time 2001 :: The Bearcats opened the season league championship since 1964. Quarterback five teams ranked in the Top 10 at the time UC ended the season among the nation’s Top 25 against No. 25 Purdue in front of the largest Gino Guidugli threw for 3,543 yards, one of they faced UC. After a couple of near misses programs. Three Bearcats earned all-America Nippert Stadium crowd in history. UC won its five season records set by the sophomore. UC against those ranked foes, UC downed No. 7 honors, including punter Kevin Huber, who was first four league games en route to a second- earned a bowl bid for a record third straight Rutgers, 30-11, before a national television the school’s second consensus selection. place finish in Conference USA and second year, playing in the New Orleans Bowl. audience. Cincinnati earned a berth in the straight trip to the Motor City Bowl. Quarter- inaugural International Bowl in , Ont. nfl cats

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