Cincy survives, Collaros throws for 480 yards

In an offensive record-setting performance, the University of Cincinnati football team survived a last-minute comeback attempt to beat the Connecticut Huskies 47-45, Saturday, Nov. 7.

“That’s what BCS college football is about,” said UC head coach Brian Kelly. “You have to enjoy a win like this.”

Down by 20 points at the half, the Huskies made a late-game comeback to get within two points of the Bearcats with five minutes remaining. But a failed two-point conversion and a fourth-down touchdown run by sophomore Isaiah Pead sealed the win for the UC.

“Today our offense had to pick it up for our defense,” Kelly said. “You have to find a way to win [and] by one point is enough for me.”

The Bearcats’ offense set a school record of 711 total yards, far surpassing their 454 yards per game average.

“We have so many weapons [and] it makes it hard for a defense to defend us,” said senior wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. “When we’re playing solid Bearcat football on the offense side of the ball, we’re moving and it’s a beautiful thing to watch.”

Sophomore quarterback Zach Collaros once again showed he’s able to attack defenses both on the ground and through the air.

Collaros finished the game with 550 total yards, throwing for 480 yards and one touchdown as well as rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

“It was amazing being out there when our offense was clicking,” Collaros said. “We have an amazing offensive scheme [and] a great group of playmakers.”

Starting for injured senior quarterback Tony Pike, Collaros has been near perfect this year throwing for 1,229 yards, 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Collaros has been dangerous on the ground as well, rushing for 288 yards and four touchdowns.

Collaros’s success is forcing Kelly to make a tough decision regarding the quarterback position once Pike is healthy again.

“Zach has made it hard,” Kelly said. “Based on how he has played the last three games, I think I have to reconsider my decision [on who will start].”

Gilyard was also impressive catching a season-high 12 passes for 172 yards.

“I come in week in and week out and I just want to win,” Gilyard said.

The Bearcats came into game with the top-ranked defense in the Big East; however, the Huskies seemingly had their way with the Bearcats in the second half putting up 462 total yards.

“The defense has really been good for us and we’ll clean it up,” Kelly said.

The win over the Huskies put the Bearcats at 5-0 in the Big East and 9-0 overall for first time since 1951. The Bearcats also recorded their 15th consecutive regular-season win.

Next up, Cincinnati is scheduled to play the West Virginia Mountaineers at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Nippert Stadium.