Battle For The Victory Bell

This game is about opportunity. Its a chance for the Bearcats to get out of the non conference at 3-1, which has been par for the course for UC of late. Its a chance for Miami to gain some momentum and improve on what has been an admittedly dismal start.

But its a rivalry game, with a trophy at stake. While the programs have certainly diverged over the last decade (UC is 8-2 against Miami since 2003) there should always be a place for this game in the Bearcats schedle. So many long standing rivalries have fallen by the wayside, including the Bearcats other rivalry with Louisville. UC has been a conference nomad for so long, but this game has stayed put. It should still be in the schedule going forward.

More from Down The Drive:

• 
  Pre Game Player Of The Game: D.J. Dowdy
• 
  Battle For The Victory Bell Primer
• 
  American Power Rankings
• 
  Battle For The Victory Bell Trailer
• 
  Cincinnati Bearcats At Miami Gameday Links