Bearcats Earn National Ranking for First Time Since 1976

Bearcats Earn National Ranking for First Time Since 1976Bearcats Earn National Ranking for First Time Since 1976

Sept. 23, 2007

CINCINNATI-- The University of Cincinnati finds itself ranked No. 24 in this week's Associated Press Poll and knocking on the door of the Top 25 in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll. This marks the first time since Oct. 25, 1976 that Cincinnati has earned a national ranking in the AP poll.

The Bearcats (4-0) have climbed their way into the national rankings thanks to a seven-game winning streak that dates back to the 2006 campaign. They secured their place in this week's AP poll by rolling past Marshall 40-14 before a capacity crowd of 35,097 at Nippert Stadium.

Since taking the reins of the program before the 2007 International Bowl, head coach Brian Kelly is off to one of the fastest starts in Cincinnati history. Kelly is the first head coach to start 5-0 at UC since Russ Cohen began his first season 7-0 in 1935.

Cincinnati makes its longest road trip of the season this week, when it heads to the West Coast to meet San Diego State. Kickoff from Qualcomm Stadium is scheduled for 10 p.m. (ET) and is being televised on VERSUS.

A limited supply of tickets are available for the Bearcats' next home game, Oct. 13 vs. Louisville, by calling the UC Athletics Ticket Office toll-free at 1-877-CATS-TIX or by going online to www.CATSTIX.com.