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A perfect run through non-conference play is on the menu today, as the Cincinnati Bearcats host the Ohio Bobcats for a noon kickoff at Nippert Stadium.
- Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
- Television/Stream: ESPNU/WatchESPN (Here’s a handy guide to what services you can find ESPN and other channels on if you don’t have cable. Shout out to Red Cup Rebellion)
- Announcing crew: Mike Corey (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
- Radio: 700 WLW AM/XM 381/Sirus XM Internet 975/TuneIn.com
- Announcing crew: Dan Hoard (play-by-play), Jim Kelly Jr (analyst) and Tony Pike (sideline reporter)
- Series history: There isn’t as storied a history between the Bearcats and Bobcats as some of the other in-state rivalries. These two teams haven’t met since 1981. UC claimed a 19-9 victory in that contest, which actually pulled them even in the all-time series, 23-23-4.
Down went UCLA. Down went Miami-Ohio. Down went Alabama A&M. Now the undefeated Bearcats (3-0) set their sights on the Bobcats. UC is powered by a top flight defense and an offense that makes up for a lack of immense yardage with a lot of exciting young talent. As guys like Desmond Ridder, Michael Warren, James Wiggins, Darrick Forrest and Jayshon Jackson have become stars before our very eyes, they have also been playing a lot of winning football.
Ohio (1-1) traded a season-opening win over Howard for a loss to Virginia. The Bobcats have been one of the more consistent programs in the Mid-American Conference over the past decade, with head coach Frank Solich leading them to eight bowl appearances in the last nine years. A potential defensive proclivity for allowing too many points may stand in their way this season, but the offense has a lot of playmakers, making this an afternoon game that should provide fireworks.