TicketsOct. 22, 2005
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes
CINCINNATI - Michael Bush rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns and Louisville rolled up 547 yards in total offense, the most by a UC opponent in 2005, to defeat Cincinnati, 46-22, in the Battle for the Keg of Nails.
Louisville got on the scoreboard less than five minutes into the game on a 13-yard run by Bush, which capped a 5-play, 80-yard drive. The Bearcat defense stiffened, holding the Cardinals to a 3-and-out and forcing fumbles on UofL's next three possessions. UC converted the second fumble into a score when Brent Celek caught a 9-yard pass from Dustin Grutza early in the second quarter to give Cincinnati a 7-6 lead.
Louisville regained the lead on Brian Brohm's 8-yard pass to Montrell Jones on its next possession. The Bearcats then let an opportunity slip by when, after marching to the UofL 2, Grutza threw an interception. The Cardinals marched 98 yards in five plays to up their margin to 18-7 right before halftime.
Louisville put the game out of reach with a pair of drives capped by Bush TDs in the third quarter. The Bearcats got two late scoring drives with Nick Davila at quarterback. Davila connected with Earnest Jackson for a 15-yard TD and found Bill Poland for an 11-yard score.
Davila finished with 136 yards on 9-of-15 passing. Grutza was 9-of-24 for 75 yards. Greg Moore provided an offensive spark, gaining 75 yards on 16 rushes.