It’s a good, Wednesday morning for Uc football fans. Got word that Kerry Coombs will not be the only holdover from the UC staff. Walt Stewart will be serving Scott Satterfield as his DL coach.
4. Ivan Pace Jr. may have won starting inside linebacker job
The undrafted rookie appears to have secured a starting job in Minnesota's defense because he did not play in this final preseason game. He's been working with the first team defense and has wore the green dot for weeks
Don’t want to argue, but I admire Kerry Coombs. Heard he interviewed today for 2 hours. He’s fighting to keep recruits and even trying to bring some coaches back. If you disagree with me, fine. But I’ll get into that foxhole with Coombs any time.
Normally, I would note share a text, but because of the great news about Kerry, I had to congratulate Mr. Bearcat. His response honestly gave me goosebumps- “This is where I belong.” And I agree, UC is where Kerry Coombs belongs! I’m breaking out the bourbon to celebrate!
After reading pieces on DeShawn Pace and Corey Kiner, both Bearcats leveled indirect criticism at previous UC coaches. Pace said the new coaches really care about the players. Kiner said Coach Sims doesn’t just give you an earful every time. We don’t always need to be chewed out.
Many UC football fans just don’t have the toughness they expect from their players. They post bogus pics of the crowd. They encourage fans to abandon players. They whine and cry like the kid that loses and takes his ball home. If you can’t take the tough times, just stay home.
One final “X” of the night: I hope UC fans are ready for growing pains that come with a move up to P5. No more patsies, but you need to commit to this and continue to show up. You can help the program get up to speed or hurt it, but you need to expect battles every week.
I thought this UC team could implode tonight. It didn’t. Instead, they played hard. I credit them and the UC staff. I saw UC football players quit; these kids tonight didn’t. That might not mean much to some, but it means something to me. This team is just limited for this league
I have a very small following, but I hope UC fans can completely support the Bearcats on Friday. Some students will be gone, and that hurts. But regardless of who plays and how they play, I hope all UC fans won’t waiver in their support of the Bearcats’ players and staff.
Bearcats were completely outplayed in so many areas today. UC deserved to lose, but if anyone is expecting me to pile on regarding the coaching staff, I’m not your guy. This is the 1st regular season loss in 2 years. I simply won’t bash the UC staff with that kind of track record
Even though Ivan Pace Jr. played only 1 season at UC, he may end up in UC’s HOF. I believe he is now 1 of only 6 Bearcats to be 1st team AA by AP. Here are the others: Kevin Huber, Clarence Sanders, Jon Ruffin, Mike Woods and Sauce Gardner. Greg Cook was 2nd team.
I may be in the minority because I read very little about basketball from UC fans, but I like what Wes is doing. This team is far from a finished product, not sure it has a finisher, but UC is in the toughest league probably ever. UC basketball is again fun for me.
If Ivan Pace Jr. isn’t the AAC’s Defensive Player of the Week with 15 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL’s, then there is no fairness with whoever makes these decisions.
I’ve always tried to appreciate what every departing UC head football coach did for the program instead of focusing on how he exited. Fickell stayed longer than most and did a great job, but he never got the criticism he deserved for the clock management in the Peach Bowl loss.
As a lifelong UC fan, it’s impossible not to root for a local kid like Evan Prater. Add the ease in transferring nowadays with the portal, and Prater is even more remarkable to remain here after the coaching change. I hope this is the season we fans see a lot of him on the field.
I see Jason Kelce has been selected as the NFC starter at center, and brother Travis Kelce has been selected as the starting AFC TE as well as Sauce Gardner being chosen as a starting AFC cornerback. All 3 former Bearcats are tracking toward the NFL HOF.
Appreciate Deion Branch’s repeated comments that UC and U of L should continue the rivalry. As far as the game, looking forward to seeing what Bryan Brown can do with the UC defense next year. Looking forward to what Nic Caldwell can do with o-line.
My biggest suggestion for UC fans is many of them haven’t lived through the tough years. If you’re only used to winning, you need to experience being a real UC football fan, it’s tough. It’s commitment. Quit being a prima donna and support UC through the tough times.
Reading quotes from Coach Satt, Corey Kiner and Xzavier Henderson about how great it is to play in Nippert. It really makes me so proud to see what The Nipp has become (even for an FCS opponent). I’d love for my wife to scatter my ashes at Nippert. I could maybe haunt the place!
Folks, double check me on this: If Tulane beats UCF today at 3:30 on ESPN2, UC would then completely control its AAC destiny, and if the Bearcats would beat Temple and Tulane in the coming weeks, UC would then host its 3rd straight AAC Championship game. Is that accurate?
Really was hoping I could step away from Twitter, but got a call that Brian Hartline (OSU) has also interviewed. Mr. Cunningham has been busy. FWIW, Hartline apparently felt the interview went great. I’m not trying to get infor. Sometimes it just comes. Have a good night.
Read a story at Bearcat Report regarding Amare Snowden. It shows how tough coaching changes are for these kids. Said he learned of the coaching change from Wisconsin fans and didn’t believe it. Said he was sad posting his decommitment. Said he’s grieving. Really tough to read.
Five years from now, the University of Cincinnati will have its first football player inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Who will introduce Jason Kelce? Any guesses?
Chuck Martin says his staff saw how good Ivan Pace Jr. was, and UC didn’t want him. Luke Fickell complains that Miami won’t allow his recruits to get free passes to Saturday’s game (which is a MU home game). I say these two head coaches don’t really care for each other.
How about Dontay Corleone making 1st team All-AAC despite being a backup and usually only playing 25/30 snaps a game. I don’t recall ever seeing something like that previously.
Ben Bryant wins the Las Vegas Bowl MVP Award. Coach Braun gets a lot of deserved credit, but I just can’t help but believe that this Wildcat team doesn’t have the success it had without Ben Bryant’s leadership. I wonder what that leadership would have meant to UC this season.
Darn near every Bearcat at the combine appears to have met with the Chiefs, but I shouldn’t be surprised. Trent Cole, Brent Celek, the Kelce brothers and Bryan Cook were all drafted by Andy Reid. Connor Barwin signed with Reid’s Eagles as a free agent. Reid clearly likes Bearcats
I also think we are about 6-10 years away from having a Jason Kelce and a Travis Kelce statue on campus recognizing both since they will be the 1st UC football players in the NFL Hall of Fame. Start thinking about where they would go.
I’m sure the recruiting staff took advantage of Ivan Pace Jr. being at today’s game since there were a number of recruits attending, and I absolutely love it when the UC alums/NFL players return for games! Great for the program, great for recruiting and great for the fans.
I’m hoping UC fans are getting past the disappointment of last weekend and getting that fighting spirit for this weekend vs. Oklahoma. Giving up is so easy. Sticking with your guys after a tough loss is much tougher. Who wants to stay the course? I do!
For the UC fans that are attending the game, wish I could hug every one of you. You are special! This program is built on the blocks you’ve given it. Thank you!
Maybe assistant coach contracts have changed since I retired at Bearcat Journal 7 years ago, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen a 3 year deal given to an assistant coach. But if ever a UC assistant deserved it, Kerry Coombs does.
If there’s 1 kid in college football that deserved a great experience this season, it was Ben Bryant. Beating Utah with Bryant scrambling for the game clinching 1st down was appropriate. Northwestern posts an impressive 8-5 final record.
Seen some dust-up with fans storming the court. I’m old (71), but I had no problem with it. This is a new age of UC basketball in the toughest league ever. Don’t like storming the court, don’t do it, but don’t impose your standards on other enthusiast UC fans. Enthusiasm is good.
According to a piece in The Athletic, PFF graded Ivan Pace Jr. as the top LB in the country. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment for the former Colerain star who was clearly grossly under-recruited.
For the UC fans able to handle some losses, proud to be among you tomorrow! I feel good about Saturday. I think Baylor has some issues running the football, and I hope UC is able to hit some big plays. Looking forward to being with the tough UC fans that don’t quit! You are great
Has Katrina Merriweather thrown down the recruiting gauntlet challenging the other UC head coaches to also get a 5 star? At the very least, she has proven it’s possible.
The UC crowd was terrific today. The students understandably weren’t at full force, but the UC fans showed up, were very loud and stayed until the end. For everyone that attended, take a virtual bow, and for those that traveled for hours to attend today’s game, I’m in awe of you.
John Widecan mentioned for 35 years of service to UC football. EVERY UC coach that went elsewhere would have loved for Widecan to go with him. But Widecan stayed! Well deserved recognition for John Widecan!
BTW: Former UC RB Jerome Ford had 107 rushing yards today on 17 carries for a 6.3 yard average. The guy just keeps his mouth shut and plays. I admire that in today’s “look at me” culture.
I love the addition of Aziz to this team. Get Jahmile eligible, and I wonder how far this team can go. I also wonder who would have a stronger/deeper front court than UC.
Tip of the cap to the UC football staff as they keep adding length and speed. A 6’2” DB Zaravion Johnson has ideal length and Auburn WR Tarvarish Dawson brings great speed. I prefer focusing on the incoming over the outgoing. Today was a good day for UC football.
Some food for thought- Since 2000 (23 seasons) UC football has 18 years of winning at least 7 games. The previous 23 seasons saw Bearcat football teams win 7 or more games just twice. It’s hard for me to get depressed over a 9-3 season like this year.
Really happy Evan Prater is getting a chance to play, but I am in no way against Ben Bryant. I just want UC fans to actually see Prater play so everyone has a chance to evaluate the position themselves. Hopefully, there will be a clear answer one way or the other, and UC wins.
I really hope UC fans don’t forget who you are. You got no respect for decades (and still don’t in some circles). This Bloomington piece in part is a reminder of that. This is the heyday of Bearcat football. Bring the energy at The Nip again tomorrow. IU is undefeated (for now).
Whoever gets the UC job, I’ll support the choice. I want to support Mr. Cunningham, and I don’t believe in home run hires. There’s just no analytic that guarantees a guy will do well as a HC. So I can complain about a hire, or I can ask- How can I help? The choice is easy for me.
Hearing Nate Letton will serve as the OC and call the plays in the bowl game. Hearing Kerry will call the defenses. Still feeling very good about Walt Stewart returning to UC. Keith Jenkins (Enquirer) reported the players in transfer portal will not play (as expected).
To all the “closet” UC football fans (the folks that never post but support the program with money and/or enthusiasm) I know some of you, but I appreciate all of you! You may feel unappreciated at times, but you are part of the backbone of UC football. Thanks much!
I understand some UC football fans are miserable. I don’t understand why some feel everyone should be just as miserable. Some of us have been through tougher seasons. Some of us feel loyalty to the coaches and players. Some of us love UC more than we hate losing.
Hearing former Bearcat and 3rd round NFL draft pick Antwan Peek will be accompanying 2023 Breeon Ishmail (Princeton HS) to the UC vs. Kennesaw State game tomorrow. Ishmail has reported offers to UC, UK, WVU, MSU and several other P5 schools.
Very smart move by Satterfield, said he will not be at Fenway Bowl, he will be at UC recruiting. That gives him that weekend just before NSD to convince kids to come to UC.
I wonder if fellow The Athletic 1st team freshman All-American honoree Dasan McCullough (LB) at Indiana would like to join his younger brother Deah McCullough (S), a UC commit, would be interested in playing with his younger brother (like Ivan Pace Jr. did) next season.
I hope Brady Lichtenberg is okay to play next week. If he isn’t, I really hope Drogosh gets playing time. Satt can talk all he wants about wanting to win, but Emory (as good as a leader he may be) needs to sit. He’s had 11 games to show his game, it just hasn’t worked out.
In another 5-10 years, the Bearcats are going to have three former players going into Halls of Fame. The Kelces will be going to the NFL Hall of Fame, and I expect Collaros will have an excellent case to go into the CFL Hall of Fame.
I know Bearcat fans are upset with tonight’s loss-maybe the officiating, maybe the foul shooting or maybe something else. But if you want to do something positive, extend your congratulations/appreciation to the players for a hard fought game. They’re hurting more than anyone.
I saw Wisconsin (5-4) was beaten by Indiana (3-6) today. I don’t like to hold grudges against previous UC coaches, but this season has been pretty miserable, and you know the old saying- “misery loves company.”
As I wrote yesterday, I’ll be asking- How can I help? Regardless of who is tapped. Who are the “die hard” UC fans. That will soon become evident. I’ve decided I’m going to double my UCATS contribution. If it’s Sean Lewis- I’ll triple my contribution. He would deserve my support.
Like clockwork, Justin Wodtly is first UC player out and blew a kiss to the fans. Love that young man! His appreciation of the UC is noticed by me.
@JustinWodtly
I get some UC fans think Coach Satterfield wasn’t the right hire. What I don’t get is not supporting the UC players and coaches. If it doesn’t work out, it will be obvious, but UC fans need to get over the Miami loss. It’s over and done with. The next game is the important game.
I’m not anywhere close to joining the fire Wes crowd. Unfortunately, I think this UC team is very close to imploding. It may make some difficult personnel decisions easier. The roster needs some major changes, and some players would be better off elsewhere. My 2 cents.
I know most UC fans don’t care about UC baseball, but if UC can get this thing going, college baseball is fun! Regionals, super regionals and the college World Series is fantastic! Love the state Ohio champ (Moeller) kids can help to make this happen.
Listened to today’s “Coffee with Cunningham” session today. Got a much better idea of how NIL is working at UC and really like and trust Brian Fox and Greg Harrell, both highly involved with Cincy Reigns and the NIL efforts at UC. Both are great Bearcats.
With an unusual 10:15 start tonight, the game will be over around 1:30 a.m., and it reminds me of UC’s win over
#1
Duke in the 1998 Great Alaska Shootout. That game ended around 2 a.m. I was yelling into a pillow not to awaken the kids when Mel Levett dunked for the huge win.
Today is the first time I’ve seen Emory Jones play. He is SOO comfortable in this offense, and Satterfield is using his legs but very prudently doing so.
Can anyone tell me if Ivan Pace Jr. walked on Senior Day? And congrats to Ivan for being Defensive Player of the Year! I wonder how many players win POY honors in consecutive years in different conferences. That has to be a really small club.
I like UC basketball and try to watch most games, but I’m more of a UC football and baseball fan the last several years. However, I’m extremely excited to see tonight’s UC/Ga. Tech game tonight because I can’t wait to see Aziz take the court. My wife is just as excited.
So a player that “verbally committed” to Cincinnati just a day ago with significant hoopla announces today via social media that he will be visiting UCF this weekend. College recruiting continues to have an authenticity that rivals that of professional wrestling.
I’m on the opposite side of many recent opinions regarding UC. I’m glad UC is extending its season by playing in the NIT, and I’m not upset they can’t play more than one home game. I see NIT games as a chance to improve, and playing road games will also help them improve.
While I wait for the next NFL playoff game, I’m still firmly in Wes Miller’s camp. I think UC lacks a “go to” player at the end of games. Guys like Steve Logan or Lazelle Durden or Danny Fortson or Kenyon Martin etc. I still believe Wes is building the brand in the best league.
Ben Bryant defines being “snakebit.” Commits to Wisconsin in 2017, they drop him. Commits to UC. Plays 2 years as backup at UC. Transfers to E. Michigan. Leaves EMU, returns to UC. Wins starting job but gets injured. Transfers to Northwestern. Northwestern fires HC 2 mos later.
I couldn’t be more excited for Scott Springer and all Bearcat fans to have Scott covering UC sports. In my opinion, it’s long overdue. Scott’s an excellent writer with a wealth of knowledge about Bearcat sports, and he brings his clever, witty humor to much of what he does.
Finally found Cincy Light today in Goshen. I love the packaging and price ($12.99 a 12 pack is a bargain). I thought the beer was very good. Cincy Light is exactly what I like. I don’t want limes, blueberries, lemons, apples, etc. Thanks to Rhinegeist Brewery and Cincy Reigns!
Tough time to travel and see loved ones, but thanks to those that love UC as much as I do, and I hope you have a great Xmas and New Years. You probably have no idea how special you are, but I appreciate all of you. Merry Xmas. Tim
Not interested in taking shots at anyone, but I often wonder how invested some of the most vocal UC critics are. Are they season ticket holders? Are they UCATS members? I know some are, but I think the best UC fans support the program regardless of the W’s and L’s. They love UC.
Ivan Pace Jr. (12 tackles, sack, 3.5 TFL vs. a ranked team) was robbed of AAC “Defensive Player of the Week” to Tulane’s Macon Clark (S) with 8 tackles, FF and a INT. in game vs. UMass.
Not a bad read- Hoosiers feel they should have won last year and want revenge. Author of the piece says Nip won’t be “intimidating” because it seats only 40k.
With the (expected) addition of Tyler Betsy, I’m completely behind Coach Miller and staff (with no caveat about who this year’s club might lose to) because I’m not sure any other UC coach has done any better than getting four 4* guys in 2 years. I see a bright future with Miller.
Mixed feelings reading that Jason Kelce has retired. I hate to see his football career end, but I think it’s best for his long term health for him to retire. He’s a very smart, talented guy, and he’ll have plenty of great career options going forward. 1st ballot HOFamer.
I’ve stayed quiet on Wes Miller. The losses to Xavier and Dayton have been tough. Both excellent programs. But how you play in December is not nearly as important as how you play in March. No one crowns a champ in December. I’ll wait, give the staff time and evaluate later.
Here’s what I heard at today’s presser: the internal issues were major last season (and there were plenty of signs/comments during the season indicating that). UC had selfish players, and players that didn’t want to be coached. They’re trying to change that in ‘24.
In looking at former Elder TE Joe Royer timeline, I see this UC staff got him to visit Louisville, and the former OSU player should have been a teammate of Luke Kandra’s at Elder. Add the opportunity for immediate playing time, and UC should have a good shot at landing Royer.