TicketsCINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati's intra-squad scrimmage at Nippert Stadium started with a defensive bang Saturday night, first with an interception of a Hayden Moore pass by Tyquan Statham and then with an interception of a Ross Trail pass by defensive tackle Curtis Brooks after Trail's hand was hit as he threw.
It was an ominous beginning for an offense that's trying to wipe away the memories of last year's extended frustration. But, the offense quickly settled down and before the night was over sophomore Trail had thrown four touchdown passes, making a strong statement in the competition between him and Hayden Moore for the starting quarterback job.
"That's why it's a battle," said UC head coach Luke Fickell. "Some people think it's a clear-cut thing, but the reality is we've got to put these guys on display and we've got to put them in the situations that make it difficult because that's what games are like that and see how they can handle it and the energy and passion they can bring."
Trail has struggled at times in training camp, leading to speculation that perhaps he's one of those players who doesn't always practice well, but who performs when the lights come on. That would be a logical conclusion except that Trail also had his problems during games last year when he was intercepted six times in four games.
It's true, though, that Trail played well in each of the last two spring games in addition to Saturday's scrimmage.
"I put in the work all week," Trail said. "It was really nice to see it all come together. I feel like the thing they hold against me is that I don't have any experience, so I try to go out every day and do my best and try to prove myself that I can be the guy."
Moore also had his moments, but he left the game early with a sore hip.
"He got dinged up," Fickell said. "I thought he was doing some good things. I don't know what happened. I didn't see it. He hurt his hip and didn't feel like he could move as well."
Fickell clearly liked what he saw from Trail.
"He threw the ball really well tonight," Fickell said. "He took care of the ball really well. The guys kind of respond to him. They respect him because of the way he works and because of the competitive spirit and the competitive nature he has. Sometimes we as coaches don't get to see some of that. Those guys know those guys best."
The defense's best moments came early with the two interceptions and late when freshman Jarell White picked off the third interception of the night.
"Our goal was to accomplish three turnovers and we got it with the three interceptions," said defensive end Kevin Mouhon. "We came in hungry. On the second one, I hit the quarterback's hand and Curtis got the interception. It's a team thing. Curtis had to catch the ball. We're definitely clicking and our schemes are really, really good. We're more aggressive and hungry."
As for Trail, Fickell conceded that there are players who don't practice well and then come out and play well when it counts, but he was adamant that he prefers those who shine in practice and in games.
"Some guys when the lights go on, they do tense up and tighten up," Fickell said. "And there's some guys when the lights go on, the more lights that are on, the better they play. That's something that's not taught. It's something that's deep down inside."
Said Trail: "I go out and I do my best and maybe sometimes when the lights come on, it matters more. Maybe I turned it up some, absolutely, but that doesn't mean I go through practices not caring. I take every day very seriously."
So does Fickell.
Bill Koch covered UC athletics for 27 years – 15 at The Cincinnati Post and 12 at The Cincinnati Enquirer – before joining the staff of GoBearcats.com in January, 2015.
It was an ominous beginning for an offense that's trying to wipe away the memories of last year's extended frustration. But, the offense quickly settled down and before the night was over sophomore Trail had thrown four touchdown passes, making a strong statement in the competition between him and Hayden Moore for the starting quarterback job.
"That's why it's a battle," said UC head coach Luke Fickell. "Some people think it's a clear-cut thing, but the reality is we've got to put these guys on display and we've got to put them in the situations that make it difficult because that's what games are like that and see how they can handle it and the energy and passion they can bring."
Trail has struggled at times in training camp, leading to speculation that perhaps he's one of those players who doesn't always practice well, but who performs when the lights come on. That would be a logical conclusion except that Trail also had his problems during games last year when he was intercepted six times in four games.
It's true, though, that Trail played well in each of the last two spring games in addition to Saturday's scrimmage.
"I put in the work all week," Trail said. "It was really nice to see it all come together. I feel like the thing they hold against me is that I don't have any experience, so I try to go out every day and do my best and try to prove myself that I can be the guy."
Moore also had his moments, but he left the game early with a sore hip.
"He got dinged up," Fickell said. "I thought he was doing some good things. I don't know what happened. I didn't see it. He hurt his hip and didn't feel like he could move as well."
Fickell clearly liked what he saw from Trail.
"He threw the ball really well tonight," Fickell said. "He took care of the ball really well. The guys kind of respond to him. They respect him because of the way he works and because of the competitive spirit and the competitive nature he has. Sometimes we as coaches don't get to see some of that. Those guys know those guys best."
The defense's best moments came early with the two interceptions and late when freshman Jarell White picked off the third interception of the night.
"Our goal was to accomplish three turnovers and we got it with the three interceptions," said defensive end Kevin Mouhon. "We came in hungry. On the second one, I hit the quarterback's hand and Curtis got the interception. It's a team thing. Curtis had to catch the ball. We're definitely clicking and our schemes are really, really good. We're more aggressive and hungry."
As for Trail, Fickell conceded that there are players who don't practice well and then come out and play well when it counts, but he was adamant that he prefers those who shine in practice and in games.
"Some guys when the lights go on, they do tense up and tighten up," Fickell said. "And there's some guys when the lights go on, the more lights that are on, the better they play. That's something that's not taught. It's something that's deep down inside."
Said Trail: "I go out and I do my best and maybe sometimes when the lights come on, it matters more. Maybe I turned it up some, absolutely, but that doesn't mean I go through practices not caring. I take every day very seriously."
So does Fickell.
Bill Koch covered UC athletics for 27 years – 15 at The Cincinnati Post and 12 at The Cincinnati Enquirer – before joining the staff of GoBearcats.com in January, 2015.