The Streak: Ranking Cincinnati’s Last Nine Victories over Miami (OH)
On September 5, 1992 I attended my first Cincinnati football game at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati lost to Penn State 24-20 but I was hooked.
Part of being a fan of this program since the early 90’s means I remember when winning the Victory Bell was the highlight of any season (see 1996) and losing it… well that was absolutely painful (see 1995).
It’s been a long standing tradition in my family for myself and my father along with several friends to attend every Battle for the Victory Bell with a few exceptions over those 24 seasons (including my wedding and subsequent anniversaries). This reminds me… DON’T GET MARRIED DURING FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!!
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
#9 (2013) This game set college football back 30 years. Cincinnati essentially was a cat playing with a mouse (scoreless after three quarters) before scoring two touchdowns in the 4th quarter for the 14-0 victory.
#8 (2009) This 37-13 blowout ranks lower simply because of the expectations going in. Cincinnati was ranked 10th in the country on their way to an undefeated regular season. Everybody fully expected UC to absolutely embarrass J Crew U Miami. And while it was never close, it was not the pillaging UC fans may have been hoping for.
Sep 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
#7 (2014) This game was endlessly frustrating. Cincinnati just could not shake the Fighting Izods Redhawks who brought a great effort to Paul Brown Stadium. By far the most competitive game in the last nine meetings, Cincinnati’s 31-24 sleepwalk left UC fans biting their nails late in the 4th quarter. At least it sets the table for what could be another tough Victory Bell game in 2015.
#6 (2006) You never forget your first! This one started the streak and the 24-10 final score made Cincinnati’s domination of the game seem modest. Miami was held to 36 yards rushing with their only touchdown coming on a punt return. And what a beautiful sound it was to hear Bearcats ringing that bell again.
#5 (2011) The first shutout during the winning streak featured an unbelievable circus catch by Kazeem Alli. That catch plus the shutout helped move this 27-0 blowout move up a few spots in the rankings.
#4 (2012) This one ranks higher on the list personally for me because its the only Victory Bell game I have attended since I moved to Cleveland in 2010. I got to take in this 52-14 domination with my father and sister. It was a whiteout and featured a defensive TD from Cam Cheatham.
Source: OneGreatSeason.com
#3 (2010) Simply put, this was the Isaiah Pead game. 197 yards on 10 carries. I repeat, 197 yards on 10 carries. Cincinnati won 45-3 in Butch Jones’ first crack at the Redhawks as head coach. The Bearcats sheer speed and athleticism overwhelmed Miami from start to finish.
#2 (2008) If 2010 was the Isaiah Pead game than 2008 was the Tony Pike game. With Dustin Grutza going down at Oklahoma there was legitimate concern as to how Cincinnati would recover. Pike completed 20-24 passes in his first career start as the Bearcats rolled 45-20. Miami was driving down 4 points in the 3rd quarter but Mike Mickens’ pick six ended any threat the Redhawks would mount. Pike’s performance set the table for a Big East championship run and Orange Bowl berth.
Former Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Brian Kelly, courtesy NY Daily News.
#1 (2007) Cincinnati won the bell back the season before but this game announced the domination to come. Brian Kelly stirred the public prior to this game by contemplating if this series should be played as a home and home; if even at all. This was also the game we discovered Dustin Grutza was capable of being a first string QB as he passed for 290 yards. Cincinnati owned Miami 47-10 at Yager Stadium and it remains the largest margin of victory for Cincinnati on the road in the history of this series.