TicketsAug. 11, 2007
- PHOTO GALLERY
CINCINNATI -- Brian Kelly has plenty of video to watch of his University of Cincinnati football team after calling for approximately 90 plays in a full scrimmage on Saturday afternoon. Expecting to see individuals raise their levels during the live scrimmage, many position battles are more competitive than before the day's activities.
"You can never create the kind of intensity and focus in practice when you are in a scripted mode. You see some guys out here who looked better when it was a scrimmage. You see some guys who play well when the lights go on and for me.
As is often the case, the defense deserved much of the spotlight. Adam Hoppel registered three sacks to lead the front four. Andre Revels was credited with six stops, including a sack. Torry Cornett notched a sack and a tackle for loss from the defensive end position. Ralston Reeves, who is competing for a spot in the defensive tackle rotation, earned two pass breakups for swatting passes at the line of scrimmage.
With three seniors entering the season at the running back spot, eyes were on the trio. Butler Benton rushed eight times for 19 yards, including a three-yard score during short-yardage situations. Bradley Glatthaar carried the ball seven times for 14 yards. Greg Moore collected three carries for 18 yards took a pass at the line of scrimmage 50 yards for a touchdown. John Goebel rushed three times for nine yards. After a 65-yard sweep around left end where he sprinted past the defense, Jacob Ramsey registered four carries for 73 yards.
"There are five guys at running back who can play. I have never been in a situation like this. If I had all of them in one, I would be `Tailback U.' We have great depth at that position.
Seventeen different receivers were used during the scrimmage. Leading the receivers was Marcus Barnett who snagged three passes for 35 yards, including a 31 yarder from Ben Mauk. Mauk was also credited with the 50-yard touchdown pass to Moore. David Wess caught three passes for 23 yards and Charley Howard recorded three receptions for 25 yards.
Saturday was the first time for many to witness the quarterback race. Mauk showed velocity on his passes and quick feet outside of the pocket. After missing on his first two throws, the graduate transfer completed his last four throws for 100 yards. Incumbent starter Dustin Grutza completed 6-of-10 attempts for 40 yards, highlighted by an 8-yard touchdown toss to a leaping Antwuan Giddens in the right side of the end zone. Tony Pike started the day with the first unit and completed 8-of-12 passes for 46 yards. Craig Carey completed 9-of-11 passes for 77 yards.
Following the scrimmage, the Bearcats participated in a community service outreach with children from a local church. Approximately 40 youngsters went through workouts and drills with UC players.
"We want our team involved in the community. Today was a great opportunity for volunteerism for our players. They were involved with kids from a local parish. It's amazing. We asked for eight volunteers today and we had 27 guys out here. That shows a little bit about where we are going with our program."
Cincinnati will enjoy an off day on Sunday before heading to Higher Ground Conference Center on Monday. UC departs from campus at 8 a.m. The lone practice on Monday is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. at Higher Ground.