Homecoming Weekend here in Clifton, Ohio. The Bearcats look sharp in their white over white. The specialists have taken the field. Tony Miliano is taking some deep, deep FGA's from 53 yards out. About 73 minutes remain to the kickoff.
The only skill position players on the field right now for Cincinnati are Travis Kelce and Brendon Kay. Kay is the holder and Kelce is an emergency long snapper. We got to see Kay throw a fake punt pass last week to Silverberry Mouhon.
Did you know Miami QB Zac Dysert has NEVER thrown a TD pass versus a Butch Jones led Bearcat team? Of the players on the current team who do you figure had the most tackles in this game last year? If you guessed Jordan Stepp (5 tackles) I am first shocked and then impressed.
Cincinnati CB Deven Drane recorded an interception last year against Miami (Oh). He has not been completely healthy since Pitt game. Hope to see him bashing into some receivers today.
Cincinnati had some late week injuries the last two games. TE Blake Annen is back and ready to go. Though he dressed against Virginia Tech I feel he is actually ready to contribute for the first time all year tonight. Big play stars like RDA, Munchie, KT, McClung, Winn, and others are all healthy. The only guys that might not be ready are Sean Hooey, Adrian Witty, and a few backups.
Cincinnati has a very healthy roster tonight. DB Adrian Witty is warming up. He wasn't desinted to start anyway, but he is at least available. I would be surprised if he can play full speed just yet though. Like I said Annen is back and ready. The Bearcats starting offensive line will be Eric Lefeld, Austen Bujnoch, Dan Sprague, Sam Longo, and Parker Ehinger. No Sean Hooey tonight. Best backups are Cory Keebler and Andre Cureton.
It is a very festive atmosphere here at Nippert Stadium. As cold as the night is certain to be the crowd will aboslutely be alive with energy and fire. I just wish this opponnent were more daunting. Either way Cincinnati is going to have a blazing show tonight.
A few former Bearcats are watching in person tonight. I talked with C.J. Cobb, Isaiah Pead, and Rob Trigg. I believe JK Schaffer is around, as well. Trigg had a couple of teammates with him, but I couldn't place them in my memory banks.
CB Reuben Johnson is technically a former football player, but he has a coaching position. Former CB Reuben Haley also was on the sideline.
John Goble and Tom DeTemple and I talked at length about the current Bearcats. Quite a feature story coming later tonight. UC destroying Miami, 31-14.
Great atmosphere this evening. This Homecoming was handled with class by UC marketing and tickets. Great promotions and turn out. No one outside Midwest is seeing this, but its a perfect representation of their university. Keen job.
Adrian Witty did in fact play, late in this game. Also spotted was freshman defensive end Josh Posley.
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