I’m at the game today. Might be the last game I make this season if my work schedule continues to be a convoluted mess. That might explain why I left a wife with a sinus infection and a son that vomited in the bed last night. The other explanation is I just didn’t want to deal with that sort of thing, but that would make me seem like a selfish ass.

The lovely and talented Luke will be moderating the liveblog tonight for your pleasure. I’ll be offering livetweets throughout the game, and depending on my battery life, the nature of the game, and getting the app to work correctly — I might try to check into the liveblog at halftime.

It’s supposed to be a sunny day, leading to a crisp evening. Should be a great day for tailgating. The game is at 7pm on ESPNU.

I do not know what to expect from this game. I don’t know what the offense will do. I don’t know if the defense is going to keep playing outstanding,

I don’t know what Cinci will be like in this game. They struggled to beat USF on the road. Handled Lousiville at home — at least in the second half. They have a 6-1 record, but it’s about as impressive as Penn State’s 8-1 record. They boast quality talent at the skill positions on offense, but have struggled against decent to good defenses.

(more…)

I’m not still bitter. I’m not still bitter. I’m not still — aaarrrgghhh!!!!

For many University of Cincinnati football fans, it ranks as the greatest game in the 124-year history of the program.

On Dec. 5, 2009, after trailing by 21 points late in the first half, the Bearcats rallied to beat Pittsburgh, 45-44, at Heinz Field to win the Big East championship, completing an unbeaten regular season and earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl.

Two years later, the Bearcats return to Heinz Field on Saturday for the first time since that memorable game.

Great. Pitt holds a special place in their lore for that. Fantastic. Trust me Cinci, last year didn’t begin to make up for 2009.

In some ways, it was the worst moment in their 4-8 season.

“They were doing snow angels on our field, dancing with the trophy, they stormed the field,” running back Isaiah Pead said. “And hearing them in the locker room singing their fight song — that hurt. Everything hurt. Losing that game, going 4-8, not going to a bowl game, it was just a bad feeling all around.”

Okay, maybe this bit, helped a little.

(more…)