The Greatest Game in College Football History...EVER!!!

As a Florida State Seminoles football fan, I have lived through some of the greatest, gut-wrenching, wire-to-wire football games in history.  At that same time, I've lived through some of the worst, dream killing, heart breaking college football games ever.  Trust me when I say this, I know great football games.  I was excited and pissed with "The Choke at Doak".   I cried every time Florida State lost by missing a field goal, five different times.  I was happy when Brian Monroe botched the snap and FSU won, and this year, I was disappointed when Christian Ponder's pass fell short in the end zone.  All in all I know great football games, and this year I witnessed the greatest football game ever.

On Saturday, November 5th, 2009, I sat watching my Cincinnati Bearcats play the Pittsburgh Panthers for the Big East Championship and a BCS Bowl bid.  UC had at least nine lives on this day, and unfortunately, that last life ended when the University of Texas' Hunter Lawrence kicked the game winning field goal with one second left in regulation to lift the Longhorns over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  But before we go any further, let's wind the clock back eight hours or so to the Bearcats game.

The conditions had to suck for fans in attendance, players and coaches but as a fan, that's the way football is supposed to look like in December.  With the snow falling, temperatures dropping, and bodies flying all over the field, the UC Bearcats were in for a real treat with the Pitt Panthers waiting for them.  As for the game itself?  The first half was very reminiscent of last year's Orange Bowl between UC and Virginia Tech in which Virginia Tech ruffled up and beat on the Bearcats.  Tony Pike was the quarter back for both games, and unlike the Orange Bowl, Tony was able to muster up enough in the fourth quarter to lead the Bearcats to their second straight Big East Championship and BCS Bowl game. 

With so much on the line, the Brian Kelly and the Bearcats did not disappoint following halftime.  Pitt took a 31-17 lead to halftime before all hell broke lose on Heinz Field during the second half.  There was only one scoring play during the thrid quarter, and that was Mardy Gilyard scoring a 68-yard touchdown on a pass from Tony Pike.  In the fourth quarter, Pitt scored again, giving the Panthers another two touchdown lead.  In a matter of six minutes and 20 seconds, Cincinnati's defense stuffed the Panther offense, allowing Tony Pike and Isaiah Pead to tie the game up on two different scoring drives.  But please wait, because here is where all hell breaks lose. 

I can not remember a football game that has meant so much, that pumped me up, and got me excited as this one did.  Last year's Orange Bowl was the Bearcats first BCS Bowl game, and was very important for the program, it's players and coaches fans but I don't specifically remember jumping up and screaming during the Orange Bowl like I did when Armon Binns caught the game tying touchdown pass.  Nor do I remember high fiving strangers, yelling and singing the fight song with them.  Either way, I came away happy with back-to-back Big East Championships and a second BCS Bowl bid in as many years against former #1, and still power house team in the Florida Gators.  On January 1st of the new year, UC will have the chance to prove to the country just how good they are in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Gators. 

In a game that saw a total of six lead changes, with three of those coming in the fourth quarter alone, and a total of 89 points, the two teams put on a show that displayed heart, soul, dedication and want.  But what UC wanted that BCS bid more.  UC had a chance, that is, until Hunter Lawrence broke their hearts, and mine with his game winning kick.  With so much on the line, the Bearcats completed their greatest season to date and now wait for New Years Day, when a chance to start inside the Top 10 next year could be on the line.  The dust has settled, the stands have cleared, and the only thing that's still here is the memory of the greatest football game in college football history.  That's not including the Big East trophy, "River City Rivalry" trophy, or their game against Florida in the Sugar Bowl that they walked away with when the clock struck zero. 

The last four weeks, UC has played UConn, West Virginia, Illinois and Pitt.  West Virginia and Pitt were both ranked in the top 25 in their games against the Bearcats and while Illinois may not be a power house, they are still a Big Ten team.  Against UConn, UC won 47-45, 24-21 against West Virginia, 49-36 against Illinois and now 45-44 against Pitt.  I'd rather have teams test the Bearcats, give them a run for their money, and still have the Bearcats pull out.  A close game where UC and it's young defense must fight, scratch and claw their way to a win is better than a 70-3 blowout over Southeast Missouri State. 

Brian Kelly is one of the greatest coaches when it comes down to halftime adjustments.  It showed against Pitt, as he was able to help Tony Pike find his inner Heisman and lead this team to a win.  If he hadn't gotten hurt, Tony Pike would be the next Heisman Trophy winner.  But, he got hurt, and now, he'll play his final game in the Sugar Bowl, and go on to lead an NFL team in need of a dependable quarterback. 

There's only one piece of business to tend to before that bowl game, and that's Brian Kelly.  If he stays this year, then he'll be here for a long, long time.  If he turns down the Notre Dame job, you'll see Brian Kelly coaching the Bearcats for 30 more years, as he will try to challenge Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden as most dominating football coach ever. 

'Cats, here's to all of you...and BK, please stay!

The Easy