TicketsAug. 7, 2008
WEST HARRISON, Ind. - The University of Cincinnati football team followed up its first two-a-day practice with a sprited two-hour workout Thursday at Higher Ground Conference Center.
The team continued its work on game tempo with the operation of the new 40-second play clock while focusing on the running game and special teams.
"You'll see a much different tempo this year with the 40-second clock," head coach Brian Kelly said. "With the clock being set after every play, we've got to be ready to defend the ball or run our offense as soon as the ball is placed."
Kelly was also pleased with his team's energy after the first two-a-day session of fall camp.
"We had a good day," Kelly said. "The players had a lot of energy and I was pleased with what I saw on both sides of the ball. We really grinded with the running game for the first time, both offensively and defensively."
The Bearcats also got in some special teams work, something coach Kelly feels will play out to UC's advantage in the fall with both kicker Jake Rogers and consensus All-American punter Kevin Huber returning.
"We probably practice special teams more than the average team because of what a weapon it can be for us," Kelly said. "We have two of the better kickers in the country so it's to our tactical advantage to be strong on that side of the ball."
UC will hold its second of five two-a-day practices Friday. The first session, which begins at 9 a.m. while the second session is slated for a 3:30 p.m. start.