Mardy is Staying

The University of Cincinnati announced today that wide receiver Mardy Gilyard will be returning next season for his senior year. Mardy was a key piece to the success the offense had during this past season. The team, the school, and the community he does so much volunteer work with are all better off with his decision to return.

UC Favored by 2

When the BSC selections first came out the odds makers had the Orange Bowl as a "pick'em" game. Meaning that they didn't have a favorite. Since then UC has become favored by 2 points. In our search across the internet we have found that most "experts" are now picking UC in their attempt to pick winners and losers for every bowl game. ESPN's Lee Corso has gone against the trend and went as afar as to make Virginia Tech his "lock" or his guaranteed winner. Last week before the team left we asked them about some experts picking against the Bearcats.

Video: Courtesy: ESPN

Our favorite prediction came from Wat if Sports.com. They took UC 23-14. In their computer simulated game they even had Mardy Gilyard making an 89 yard TD catch from Tony Pike.

Made for TV Honors

With just a few games being played over the past week the "analyst" are forced to analyze something.  Most of the bowl games themselves have been analyzed, so what's left?  The players themselves.  Last week ESPN's Mark May named Tony Pike to his "May Day Team".    Players he feels showed tremendous toughness and determination over the season.  

A couple of other Bearcats have gotten some national recognition on ESPN since the BCS selections were made with other "made for TV honors".

Please check out espn.com for more detailed analysis of the upcoming Orange Bowl.

Christmas Shopping

Last week when the football team was in their early bowl preparations we asked a few guys a very thought provoking question.

If you could by anyone on the team a Christmas present who would it be and what would you get them?

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  Going to the Orange Bowl is a tremendous present for everyone, coaches, players, administrators and fans.  However, the true gift this Holiday Season is the blessed safety and well being of all UC student athletes.  Bearcat SportsPage.com would like to wish everyone a safe and happy new year.    This is our first year doing this and we hope that we help bring you closer to all UC sports and the Student Athletes that work so hard through out the year.

Ground Breaking For Bubble

Ironically on a rainy day the University broke ground on the new practice facility that includes a practice dome, or bubble. Athletic Director Mike Thomas, Brian Kelly and several players were on hand for the big event. It took place near the storage barns on Jefferson Ave where the facility will be built. Three important facts about this. First off, the money for this project is still being raised, it's not bought and paid for yet. Secondly, this will not take money away from academic side of the school, it's all private funds. Last but not least, this facility is for the entire university not just football. All sports will use it, as will the student body for intramurals and other programs.

Quite a bit of work, both construction and financial, lie ahead. However, if things go as planned the facility should be completed by late next year.

Orange Bowl Practice Today

With ice and snow covering the turf at Nippert Stadium the team headed north to mason again today for practice. Wall to Wall Sports was kind enough to make room for the team today as they continue to get ready for the Orange Bowl on January 1st.

2 FOR 2

For the second year in a row Brian Kelly brought home the Big East Coach of the Year honor. In only his second year at UC, and in the conference he is 2 for two becoming the first coach to win back to back honors since Miami's Larry Coker won in 2001-2002. Again, just like last year, the team also has the conferences best special teams player. Last year it was punter Kevin Huber, this year the honor goes to Mardy Gilyard. The speedy receiver returned two kick offs for touchdowns this year along with a 28 yard average. This should be the first of many honors this coach and his team will receive this year.