TicketsSept. 7, 2006
Although classes have yet to begin, the Bearcats have been busy on the gridiron. Victorious in their season opener, 31-0 over Eastern Kentucky, Head Coach Mark Dantonio and the Bearcats turn around quickly to face Pittsburgh in the River City Rivalry on Friday night in a nationally televised game on ESPN 2.
"It's an accelerated week for us," said Dantonio. "We're fortunate that this comes early in the season."
Friday night's game is the second meeting in the newest trophy rivalry game on the Cincinnati schedule. Prior to last season, the athletic directors of the two schools agreed to initiate the River City Rivalry, and create an appropriate trophy for the game.
The trophy is comprised of a riverboat telegraph--a brass device for signaling the engine room--and a silhouette of the Ohio River. The trophy was designed by Trophy Awards Manufacturing, Inc. by UC alums Rob Busch and Karl Wallick and constructed by Randy Corbett.
This will be Cincinnati's third trophy game. UC plays Miami University for the Victory Bell and BIG EAST rival Louisville for the Keg of Nails.
The first time the River City Rivalry trophy was up for grabs, Pittsburgh claimed ownership with a 38-20 triumph at Heinz Field. After a short week of work, Dantonio and the Bearcats hope to keep the trophy in the Queen City.