Football

Miami Takes Down Cincinnati

Sept 22, 2001

Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio (AP) - Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes, including a 43-yarder on the opening drive, to help Miami to a 21-14 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday.

Roethlisberger, who completed 20 of 25 for 264 yards, threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Chauncey Henry with 7:19 left in the third quarter. Roethlisberger also ran for an 11-yard touchdown at the 12:42 mark in the third quarter.

With 2:31 left and UC trailing by a touchdown, Miami (1-2) stopped the Bearcats (1-2) on a fourth-and-2 quarterback sneak at the Miami 20.

The RedHawks then held onto the ball until they faced a third and five at their own 30 with 1:35 to go. Calvin Murray converted with a 66-yard run. Miami then ran out the clock, downing the ball on the next two plays.

Cincinnati's first score came at the end of the second half when Ray Jackson ran for a 2-yard touchdown to tie the game.

The Bearcats scored their second and final touchdown when Dema McCleskey ran for 12 yards with 12:10 left to play in the game. McCleskey finished with 42 yards on 12 carries.

Miami vs. Cincinnati Saturday, Sept. 22, 2001 Yager Stadium - Oxford, Ohio

Game Notes

  • Today's game was the 116th meeting for the Victory Bell. Miami, which regained the Victory Bell for the first time since 1998, now owns a 56-43-7 series advantage versus its arch-rival.
  • RedHawk mentor Terry Hoeppner earned his first head coaching win versus Cincinnati, moving to 1-2 overall versus the Bearcats.
  • Miami's defense held on a fourth-and-one from its own 19 with under 2:30 to play to help thwart a Cincinnati comeback attempt.
  • After surrendering 97 points to the Bearcats over the past two seasons, Miami's defense allowed just 14 points in the win.

Team Notes

  • Miami's 43-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive was the RedHawks' first, first-quarter scoring drive this season, giving the RedHawks their first lead this season.
  • After being outscored 41-6 in the first half of the first two games this season, Miami's defense held Cincinnati to just 119 yards and seven first-half points.
  • Miami's offense achieved season bests in both rushing yards (199) and passing yards (264) and outgained the Bearcats 463 to 283 on the afternoon.

Individual Notes

  • Miami freshman punter Mike Wafzig's first punt of the game was a career-long 55 yards.
  • Miami freshman wide receiver Michael Larkin caught Ben Roethlisberger's 43-yard touchdown in the first quarter. It was his second TD reception in his previous four catches. His first career reception two weeks ago at Iowa was a 56-yard strike from Roethlisberger. Larkin is now averaging 32.6 yards per reception.
  • Freshman quarterback Ben Roethlisberger enjoyed a career day vs. Cincinnati, posting career highs with 20 completions, 25 attempts and 264 yards. Roethlisberger has now thrown for at least two touchdowns in each of his first three career starts.
  • Senior wide receiver Chauncey Henry, who had no career touchdown receptions coming into the season, has two in the first three games. Henry finished the game with three catches for 45 yards, including a seven-yard scoring strike from Roethlisberger.
  • Sophomore running back Luke Clemens posted his first career 100-yard game, racking up 111 yards on 24 carries. He is the first RedHawk rusher to break the century mark this season.

POSTGAME QUOTES
Miami vs. Cincinnati Saturday, Sept. 22, 2001 Yager Stadium - Oxford, Ohio

Miami University Head Coach Terry Hoeppner

ON MIAMI'S EFFORT:
"It was a hard-fought football game. You can't take anything away from Coach Minter and Cincinnati. We feel very fortunate to have won this game. It was a team effort. After the first two weeks, I did not know where we were as a team. With the roller coaster of emotions we've had, you just don't know."

ON HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS:
"I went in at halftime preparing to make some Knute Rockne speech, but I didn't have to. The guys were saying, "this is our time now". Had we not self-destructed and missed a key field goal, it may not have been as close as it was."

ON MIAMI OFFENSE:
"I'm really proud of Ben. I think you saw the real Ben Roesthlisberger today. I'm really proud of our offensive line. Luke Clemens ran well."

ON MIAMI DEFENSE:
"We played hard. We played fast. I think you're seeing the beginning of another great Miami defense."

Miami Junior Linebacker Matt Robillard

ON THE ELECTRICITY OF THE GAME:
"I attribute a lot of it to seniors Paul Thaler and Joe Costello. I think they were the ones getting it going on the offensive side."

Miami Senior Offensive Lineman Paul Thaler ON WINNING THE VICTORY BELL:
"It is very special because I'm from Cincinnati. And it's definitely extra special being a senior. It feels great to get it back."

Miami Freshman Quarterback Ben Roesthlisberger
ON HIS PERFORMANCE:
"I think this was a breakout game for our offense. You've only seen a glimpse of what this offense can do."

Print Friendly Version