Bearcats rolled Huskies in 2007

The University of Cincinnati was coming off a huge win down in Tampa, Florida over the USF Bulls and needed to keep up momentum if they wanted any chance of making a good bowl game. Connecticut was undefeated in conference and only lost one game heading into the tilt with the Bearcats in early November.

UConn, a traditional basketball power was in position to win the Big East and go to a BCS bowl game, much in the way that Duke is positioning itself this year. Well, UConn came in to Cincinnati and got rolled.

There’s no easier way to put it.

Ben Mauk accounted for all four Bearcat touchdowns and the ‘Cats moved to 8-2 with a big 27-3 win over the Huskies. Junior wide receiver Dominick Goodman caught one touchdown pass on a double play action where the offensive line gave Mauk an eternity to throw the ball. Goodman had a career day, catching eight passes for 127 yards and that touchdown.

It wasn’t all offense though for Brian Kelly and the ‘Cats. The defense worked to hold UConn to 22 yards rushing. Anthony Hoke totaled three sacks and tipped one pass which was picked off by Adam Hoppel. Current Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown—who terrorized UC last season in Storrs—was held to zero net yards rushing on two runs.

This season has been an absolute roller coaster for the Huskies, who have dealt with the death of corner Jasper Howard. Meanwhile the Bearcats have only had to deal with an injury to their former Heisman hopeful at quarterback, Tony Pike. It all seems insignificant when you look at.

But, as I’ve stated before (back in March to be specific) UConn was the last team to defeat the Bearcats in conference play, and they signify a great threat to down UC tomorrow evening. “They very easily at this time could be 8-0,” said UC head coach Brian Kelly earlier this week. “It’s that close.”

ABC’s “A” team will be broadcasting the game tomorrow night at 8PM. Tune in to Cincinnati’s ABC affiliate WCPO one hour before the game as they feature a special one hour preview to the UC/UConn game named “Bearcat Fever: Climb to the Top”. Join my two favorite local TV personalities, John Popovich and Dennis Janson as they talk all things UC football before the big game on Saturday night.

And until then, I’ll keep on living the dream. (Did you ever imagine a day when ABC would be promo-ing UC football nationwide on commercials? Neither did I…)