Miami's offensive linemen knew that all that separated them from a victory over Cincinnati and possession of the coveted Victory Bell was 4 yards. Four yards and the memories of back-to-back blowout losses the past two years would be forgotten.

| ZOOM |

        Leading 21-14 with 1:43 remaining in the game, the RedHawks simply needed one more first down to seal the victory, because Cincinnati had no way to stop the clock.

        For the first time all afternoon, Miami ran a toss play to backup running back Cal Murray, who turned the play into a 70-yard run before being tackled on UC's 5-yard line.

        “The offensive line had done such a great job of blocking today,” Miami quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “We knew if we ran it there, we were going to pick up the first down. I don't think they even touched Cal before he had the first down and more.”

        All that was left was taking two snaps to run out the clock. Miami players, ready to retrieve the trophy from the opposite sideline, could hardly contain themselves.

        “I couldn't wait just to get my hands on it,” Miami offensive lineman Paul Thaler said after being one of the first to reach the bell. “I have been waiting so long, and it makes it that much more special.”

        “I feel sick right now,” Cincinnati lineman Kirt Doolin said after the game. “It is like somebody coming into your house and stealing your car (when) you're sitting in your family room. There's nothing you can do.”

        The RedHawks quickly carried the bell back to their sideline and huddled with each other to sing the Miami fight song to the fans crowding the sideline.

        “Just an amazing feeling,” Miami coach Terry Hoeppner said. “Our guys worked so hard, and it was special to be able to share it with the university.”

        Miami enjoyed the singing so much, the RedHawks did it again with the band and again in the locker room.

        “So much is made of this rivalry,” Cincinnati native and Miami offensive lineman Joe Costello said. “From your first day on campus, the coaches and alumni let you know the importance of this matchup.”

Miami pushes back UC Murray's run sends bell back to Oxford Buford's year has big impact

Bengals' game on television
BENGALS: By the numbers
Bengals' ground game plays key role
BENGALS: The Isolation Booth
BENGALS: The Edge
20 YEARS AGO: Game 2
Curnutte's NFL power ratings
Curnutte's Week Two picks
Acevedo fans 7 as Reds win 3-1
Fernandez floats like a butterfly
Spehr called to back up
Selig sticks with call
Mariners' Boone still has hopes of 200 hits
Elder upsets No. 1 St. Ignatius
CCD 28, Toledo Northwood 21
No. 1 McNick falls to Chaminade-Julienne
CovCath hands NewCath 1st loss
Kettering Alter 35, Purcell Marian Badin 0
Roger Bacon 21, Badin 10
Changes work for Indian Hill
Greco aids athletes in preparation for future
HIGH SCHOOLS
UCLA defense stymies Ohio St.
UK: Florida rolls after stirring pregame
Daugherty: Give Round One to MU's Roethlisberger
Lorenzen's inactivity ominous
Hiram keeps MSJ winless
Soccer: Turpin wins top-ranked showdown

Guided Tour edges Balto Star
Jordan's return imminent
Top five - Bottom five