TicketsJan. 29, 2008
CINCINNATI - In Sunday's edition of The Cincinnati Enquirer, sports writer John Erardi analyzed the Bearcats and the region's other 11 major college programs or pro franchises. A total of 1,215 surveys were taken and results ranked UC football No. 1 and Ohio State No. 2 after a 10-3 finish and No. 17 Associated Press Poll final ranking.
"We set expectations high," states head coach Brian Kelly. "To know that our fans have raised their own expectations is welcome news. Our goal is always to compete for a BIG EAST Conference championship and a BCS bowl game."
Erardi noted that the optimism of UC fans is off the charts. "Ninety-seven percent of fans said the program is better off than it was 2-3 years ago. Fans felt the program was headed toward an outstanding future: "
Kelly received high marks in all leadership categories, but his highest come as a motivator.
The expectations for the future of Bearcats football is illustrated by the surveyors' raising the bar. The Enquirer's results showed that more than 60 percent of those surveyed hope to witness UC make a significant bowl game in 2008.