^The BCS rankings have that ordered switched for UC and Pitt.  Should be a great game...I'll be there early for plenty of pregaming.  Go Cats!

Stop by our tailgate Rando!

Can you say orange bowl? ;)

AP Top 25

1. Alabama (63) 11-0 1,622

2. Florida (2) 10-1 1,512

3. Oklahoma 10-1 1,486

4. Texas 10-1 1,482

5. USC 9-1 1,352

6. Penn State 11-1 1,238

7. Texas Tech 10-1 1,212

8. Utah 12-0 1,206

9. Boise State 11-0 1,064

10. Ohio State 10-2 1,043

11. Oklahoma State 9-2 997

12. Missouri 9-2 917

13. Georgia 9-2 874

14. TCU 10-2 750

15. Ball State 11-0 731

16. Cincinnati 9-2 640

17. Oregon State 8-3 604

18. Georgia Tech 8-3 339

19. Oregon 8-3 320

20. Boston College 8-3 309

20. Brigham Young 10-2 309

22. Michigan State 9-3 274

23. Florida State 8-3 214

24. Northwestern 9-3 145

25. Mississippi 7-4 127

Others Receiving Votes

West Virginia 120, Pittsburgh 108, Iowa 54, LSU 35, California 11, Tulsa 8, WESTRN MICHIGAN 8, South Carolina 5, CENTRL MICHIGAN 5, Connecticut 2, Nebraska 1, Rice 1.

Dropped From Rankings

LSU 18, Pittsburgh 20, Maryland 22, Miami (FL) 23, North Carolina 25.

UC is only 6 back from OSU ... lol

Great win. Anyone know what other Conferences are align with the Orange Bowl? Who could UC's possible opponent be.

Orange Bowl takes the ACC champ. At this point it could be Boston College.

ugh... it's always Big East versus ACC ... the two worst (by far) BCS conferences... who knows who the ACC champ will be... they all keep losing to each other...

There were officials from both the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl at the game last night.  While it seems very likely that the Orange Bowl would be the game it is not 100% certain.  If there is an interesting matchup for either one then the Bearcats could potentially be heading to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

 

With that said, it was awesome last night how students kept littering the field with oranges after the Bearcats scored touchdowns.  There were orange peels in/around the south endzone for most of the game.  What an awesome night.

The Nip is a special place.  Can't beat the atmosphere there, I personally enjoy it more than going to Ohio Stadium.  Moving the games to PBS would be beyond a terrible idea

The UC BEARCATS have clinched a BCS Bowl Bid!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

Congrats Bearcats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081128/SPT0101/311280059

And I'm going to a warm weather BOWL!!!!

C-Dawg, how do you feel the Bearcats are doing this season?

i watched the second half....uc dominated syracuse!

:clap:

 

Victory Bell (Miami University)...check

Keg of Nails (University of Louisville)...check

River City Rivalry (University of Pittsburgh)...check

Big East Championship...check

Orange Bowl Championship............

BTW, I loved how they had the graphic for the giant video board at the game that said, "Ohio's ONLY BCS Team."  That's too awesome.  I'm ready for Miami.

^my sister who goes to ohio state was not happy about that. which made me happier about it.

BTW, I loved how they had the graphic for the giant video board at the game that said, "Ohio's ONLY BCS Team." That's too awesome. I'm ready for Miami.

 

yeah that had recruiting tool written all over it

I'm going at the very least to the Dolphin Stadium parking lot and into the game if I can get a cheap ticket.  By total chance I'm driving down with some people to a wedding in Tampa on Jan 3 so we're going to just drive down earlier and a little farther. 

The Bearcats are now #13 in the BCS rankings.  A win over Hawaii would more than likely put them into the top 12 headed into the BCS selection night clearing up any doubts over whether they belong in the game given that they would be in at-large bid territory.

 

Pfft. The ACC needs to be much concerned about discussions regarding whether or not their BCS bound team deserves to be in the Orange Bowl.

Trader Jake, I would agree with that.  UC has at least exhibited some stability in the Big East this season, which is more than can be said by the flip-flopping ACC.

Controversy, conversation rule on Fox's BCS selection show

 

Instead of using on-site reporters, Fox this year will use analysts Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer — "the only humans who've coached NCAA and Super Bowl winners," says Fox producer Bill Richards — to question BCS coaches directly from the studio. (But one reporter, Thom Brennaman, will be on-site in Cincinnati to report on the BCS-bound Bearcats.) Says Richards: "We were kind of wasting them just having them discuss things between themselves."

 

To read more: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2008-12-04-mlb-network-studio_N.htm

wow... close one against the Rainbow Warriors!

Yes - that was impressive how they scored 19 straight with 10 minutes left after trying to give the game away in the 3rd quarter.  Overall, with the bowl game already sealed, missing their best cornerback, best receiver, a starting offensive lineman, and with the starting QB sick and "puking his guts out" at halftime they found a way to win.  By the way, I would not recommend for any school to make this trip -  the distance, time change, and the team being a bunch of thugs make it not worthwhile.  They could have called a personal foul every other play on UH. 

 

Pretty cool that Ohio has two BCS teams this year.

By the way, I would not recommend for any school to make this trip -  the distance, time change, and the team being a bunch of thugs make it not worthwhile.  They could have called a personal foul every other play on UH.

 

Yup, it's also funny how the play clock magically turned off when the Bearcats were on offense in the first half and then started working once Hawaii got the ball.  Oh and then when Hawaii was driving for a last second field goal to end the half all of a sudden the clock started malfunctioning again in ways that gave Hawaii more time.

 

I was told that UC said the only way they would agree to a game there was if there were Big East officials.  The last time UC went down there weird stuff happened with officiating as well.  Thank goodness the Big East officials were there for this one as they had to keep correcting the time keepers.

 

And yes, a personal foul could have been called on Hawaii every other play during the second half.  It was getting ugly in a hurry.  I also want to know why the hell they still play on astroturf.  Had it not been for that then Goodman might not have suffered the injury to his shoulder on the first play.  What a joke of a program.

I forgot to mention that - I stayed up and watched the whole game, and the clock issues were downright comical.  It was a farce.

 

Apparently the stories from the stands are worse (there was also some negative publicity last year with Fresno St. fans being abused) - I am surprised anyone made the trip after the 2002 game.  I read that Dan Hoard's wife feared for her safety, and for good reason.  Plenty of fights with the fans and players needing escorts out of the stadium.

 

I remember Bob Goin said he would never play them in any sport ever again, but I guess Mike Thomas had to see for himself.  At least they stipulated Big East officials, but I do not think this game happens again unless they make a trip to the Queen City. 

I also want to know why the hell they still play on astroturf. Had it not been for that then Goodman might not have suffered the injury to his shoulder on the first play. What a joke of a program.

 

Air Force Academy Falcons (MWC) - Practice Field

University of Akron Zips (MAC) - Rubber Bowl & Louis and Fred Stile Athletics Field House

University of Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC) - Hank Crisp Indoor Facility

University of Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC) - Willard & Pat Walker Pavilion (Indoor)

Colorado State University Rams (MWC) - Practice Field

Florida State University Seminoles (ACC) - Practice Field

University of Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12) - Memorial Stadium

Michigan State University Spartans (Big 10) - Duffy Dougherty Indoor Facility

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers (Big 10) - Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex - Indoor & Outdoor

University of Mississippi Rebels (SEC) - Vaught-Hemingway Stadium & Indoor Facility

The Ohio State University Buckeyes (Big 10) - Woody Hayes Athletic Center

University of South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC) - Indoor Practice Field

University of Texas Longhorns (Big 12) - Indoor Practice Facility

University of Texas at El Paso (C-USA) - Sun Bowl

Troy University Trojans (Sun Belt) - Movie Gallery Stadium

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers (Independent) - L.T. Smith Stadium

 

Although these are mostly practice fields, there are still plenty of college football being done on AstroTurf.  Even more is used in the NFL, with league size put into consideration.  I honestly wouldn't blame the Hawaii game turf on Goodman's injury.  That could have happen almost anywhere.

http://www.bearcatsbook.com/

 

Looks to be a decent publication from the Enquirer for once

So who is all going to the Orange Bowl?

 

My flight and hotel are booked!

Got my tickets yesterday.  My girlfriend and I will be making a road trip out of it stopping half way in Atlanta for a couple of nights.  I'll be in Miami for the nights of the 31st and the 1st, with plans to leave the morning of the 2nd.  I don't yet have a hotel, but should have that booked by the end of the week.

I once drove down to Miami in 1997.  Nothing important was goign on. I didn't make reservations. All the hotels were booked. I had to drive 45 miles away and get a hotel in West Palm Beach.

^It depends on what time of year you went.  If it was summer, of course they'd all be booked.

^It depends on what time of year you went.  If it was summer, of course they'd all be booked.

 

Summer is off-season down there.  It's the winter and spring when I would assume it's most packed.

Apparently UC has already sold around 6,000 of its 17,500 tickets for the game.  They just started selling tickets on Monday morning at 8am (sold 4,600 on Monday).  The Enquirer also reported that there are already 4 bus loads of students heading down.  We had at least 6 for the Papajohns.com Bowl last year, so I would expect this number to reach to at least 8 bus loads for this bowl game in Miami for NYE.

the Pride of the Big East is in your hands, Bearkats!

Kelly Big East coach of the year

Gilyard special teams player of the year

 

UC's Brian Kelly has been named Big East Coach of the Year for the second straight year. Kick returner Mardy Gilyard was named special teams player of the year.  The Bearcats placed five players on the all-league first team: Gilyard (kick returner and wide receiver), defensive end Connor Barwin, cornerback Mike Mickens, safety Brandon Underwood and punter Kevin Huber.

 

There are four UC players on the second team: wide receiver Dominick Goodman, offensive tackle Trevor Canfield, quarterback Tony Pike and defensive tackle Terrill Byrd.  Connecticut running back Donald Brown was the offensive player of the year. Pitt linebacker Scott McKillop was the defensive player of the year.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog04&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ada6629a0-7bd0-4605-8869-25a20cb5adabPost%3af7716b39-9fb7-415e-91d4-239229478324&s

^ well deserved -- i caught a couple uc games this season on tv and really enjoyed their play.

 

If UC wins the Orange Bowl Brian Kelly stands a pretty good chance at winning national coach of the year honors.

wouldnt that be something?

 

wait. dont they usually give that to the nat champ coach though? like the best director oscar usually goes to the best picture winner? i just wonder how biased like that it is....not sure where to look that history up, but it would be good to know to see what kind of chance the uc coach has.

 

If UC wins the Orange Bowl Brian Kelly stands a pretty good chance at winning national coach of the year honors.

 

Brian Kelly is not one of the finalists for coach of the year, so it's highly unlikely.

 

Division IA

 

Mack Brown

University of Texas at Austin

 

Pat Fitzgerald

Northwestern University

 

Brady Hoke

Ball State University

 

Urban Meyer

University of Florida

 

Joe Paterno

Pennsylvania State University

 

Chris Petersen

Boise State University

 

Nick Saban

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

 

Bob Stoops

University of Oklahoma

 

Jim Tressel

Ohio State University

 

Kyle Whittingham

University of Utah

 

I like that list except for the inclusion of Pat Fitzgerald from Northwester, Brady Hoke from Ball State, and Jim Tressel from Ohio State.  The rest seem to make sense and of course I would also include BK on there.  11-2 (6-1), #12 in BCS, Big East Champs, and Orange Bowl berth all with using 6 different quarterbacks and in his second year with the program.  That's coach of the year worthy if you ask me...especially if he wins the Orange Bowl and finishes in the Top 10 as I predict will happen if they beat Virginia Tech.

Ten (thousand) and counting...

Dec. 11, 2008

http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/blog/spec-rel/121108aac.html

 

(9:01 p.m.): Just got off the phone with Mike Waddell (well, it was a little while ago. I was at Trader Joe's when he called back), and he said the school has exceeded the 10,000 tickets sold mark for the Orange Bowl.

 

He seemed happy with that figure through four days of sales. I'm sure he'd be happier if he could bump up that number to about 15,000 tickets sold in the next week or so.

13,000 and counting

Dec. 16, 2008

http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/blog/spec-rel/121608aaa.html

 

I've gotten a few e-mails in the past few days asking if there was an update for how many Orange Bowl tickets UC has sold. I talked to Mike Waddell at the basketball game tonight (last night?), and he said about 4,500 remain. So, that leaves 13,000 that have been sold.

 

Just wanted to get that out there before I went to bed tonight. Will talk more football stuff Tuesday.

That is great to hear.

I bought four, and my wife and I are going with a couple of UC grads now in Jacksonville.  Thankfully the flight is on Skymiles - work travel can actually pay I guess.  We got a hotel in South Beach for $188 a night, which I thought was a good deal.  This should be a great time.

 

My guess is another 2,000 have been sold through other outlets as well.

If you're still considering going and haven't got a ticker check stub hub, tickets are selling super cheap over there. I guess Miamians hoped the canes would be in their backyard or something...

 

http://www.stubhub.com/orange-bowl-tickets/orange-bowl-1-1-2009-545491/

Cincinnati breaks ground on new practice fields

December 19, 2008 1:44 PM

 

Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

 

Cincinnati's planned upgrade to its facilities began Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new football practice fields.

 

Renderings of the new fields can be found here on C. Trent Rosecrans' blog. The project includes an indoor practice space, which would come in handy right now for the Bearcats, who are practicing nearly 40 miles off campus to escape the cold weather.

 

Next on the list of upgrades is the expansion of Nippert Stadium.

 

It's a bull market for UC gear

 

The Marcons were once such die-hard Bengals fans that they posed in their jerseys for the family Christmas card.  Dad David wore a fuzzy black-and-orange Santa cap. The four of them - David, his wife, Vicky, and their two children, Dante, 11, and Geena, 10 - beamed in their Bengals gear.

 

Today, the kids won't even wear those jerseys to school.  Loyalties in the Marcon house have shifted to another team.  "They've got Bearcat hats, Bearcat jerseys ...,"said David Marcon, 45, of Anderson Township. "Everybody wants a winner."

 

As the city's professional football team bumbles through yet another losing season - a Sunday victory over the Cleveland Browns brought the Bengals' total number of wins to a whopping three - sales of orange-and-black merchandise have seemingly tanked.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081226/NEWS01/812260365/1055/NEWS