By Michael Perry
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Just outside the University of Cincinnati's football staff room is a small table with a sign that reads: "This spot is reserved for the Victory Bell."
There is a picture of a Bearcat player holding the big bell, which goes to the winner of the annual UC-Miami game.
The RedHawks are in possession of it right now, having won last year's contest, 21-14, in Oxford.
UC (2-2) has won four of the past six meetings and plays host to Miami (3-2) at 1p.m. Saturday in the oldest rivalry west of the Alleghenies. The series dates back to 1888.
"It's time to take time out for the ol' backyard brawl," UC coach Rick Minter said Monday. "We need that bell. We've got our work cut out for us to go get it, but that's our mission. Let the winner take the trophy and hoist it up on their shoulders and ring it until the cows come home."
The Bearcats just snapped a two-game losing streak with a 35-22 victory at Temple. Miami has won back-to-back games over Kent State (27-20) and Akron (48-31).
This UC-Miami showdown should be a good one since the teams look somewhat alike.
Both offenses rely heavily on sophomore quarterbacks - Gino Guidugli at UC, Ben Roethlisberger for Miami.
The Bearcats average 30.5 points but allow 27.3. They lost to No.5 Ohio State.
The RedHawks average 26.6 points and give up 26.8. They lost to No.21 LSU, played Iowa (Big Ten) close and won at North Carolina (Atlantic Coast Conference).
"When you look at their offense, we are becoming more and more clones of each other in the style of play on offense," Minter said. "They say they've got to run the ball a little bit better to protect their quarterback. We've got to run the ball a little bit better to protect our quarterback.
"Their quarterback is just like our quarterback, a big, tall, strong guy (with) great field presence and poise."
After watching Roethlisberger on tape, Minter said he is the best quarterback the Bearcats will have faced to this point in the season - and he might end up being the best they see all year.
In last year's game against UC, Roethlisberger threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 11 yards for a TD.
Guidugli finished with 206 passing yards and no TDs.
PEEK HONORED: UC senior defensive end Antwan Peek was named co-Defensive Player of the Week in Conference USA. The Woodward High grad had 10 tackles and two forced fumbles against Temple.
Senior running back DeMarco McCleskey, who suffered a dislocated and lacerated ring finger that required seven stitches, is day- to- day.
E-mail: mperry@enquirer.com
