The Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks meet this weekend in a rivalry that dates back to 1888, when the two schools played to a 0-0 tie. Since then, they have met 128 times, with each side winning 61 games and the contest ending in a draw seven times. The winner takes the Victory Bell, and the loser hears the other side ring it.
Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield knows what the game means. “We all know what this means,” he said. “The thing that’s interesting is you have a lot of new players and getting across to the new guys the importance of this game.” He plans to lean on veterans like linebackers Jonathan Thompson and Antwan Peek Jr. to teach any newcomers what it takes to ring the bell when the clock hits triple zeroes.
The Local Talent on Each Side
Both teams feature players from the Greater Cincinnati area. Miami has 15 players from the region, including Withrow wide receiver Quintin Simmons, Dixie Heights defensive lineman Brach Rice, and Lakota West defensive back Ben Minich, an Army transfer. UC has 12 players with local ties, including Indian Hill linebacker Antwan Peek Jr. and Kings quarterback Will Kocher.
The coaches themselves bring local connections. Miami’s wide receivers coach is Andy Cruse of Turpin, who coached at Loveland. The offensive coordinator is Moeller’s Gus Ragland, a former Miami player.
What Each Team Brings to the Field
UC’s defense has contained two offenses led by quick, mobile quarterbacks. Miami redshirt freshman David McComb is 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, but he has minus-1.2 yards rushing in two games. Backup Caleb Heavner was Miami’s third-leading rusher with 33 yards in the team’s victory over Holy Cross.
Satterfield sees the challenge clearly. “He’s a big kind, he can throw it,” he said of McComb. “Last week he was 13-for-13. Being able to get him off the spot is huge. If you allow him to sit in the pocket, he’ll make you pay. We need to get him off the spot, itmake him try to move and try to cause a little havoc.”
The Bearcats just played a game where they racked up a total of 690 yards, marking the most for a UC team since a 1970 contest against Xavier, back when the Musketeers still had a football program. Miami, meanwhile, gives up an average of 413.5 yards of total offense per game.
“They’re an unbelievable rushing team,” Miami head coach Chuck Martin said. “They don’t throw it a ton, but they’re wildly efficient when they do throw it with a lot of chunk plays off their pass game.” Martin noted the Bearcats have at least three draftable NFL offensive linemen, a stable of tailbacks, fast receivers, and a quarterback who has completed 31 of his 38 passes.
Why Miami Thinks It Can Win
The MAC is full of good football players, especially those who feel they were snubbed by power conferences. That’s why teams like UC are now looking to Miami’s advantage is simple: more local kids who don’, where such players can be found.
The transfer portal has made this rivalry new to many players. “I’ve learned that it’s serious,” RedHawks freshman receiver Scoop Smith said. “I heard how rockin’ this place gets when we beat UC. I can’t wait to be in the atmosphere. I’m built for the big moment.”
Key Players Out for the Season
The two teams both face significant absences from their rosters. UC’s safety Ty Goodwill is out for the season. Meanwhile, Miami’s quarterback Thomas Gotkowski was lost, a development that led to McComb taking over under center.
| Game | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati vs. Miami | This weekend | TQL Stadium |
The Bell’s Hold Over Players
The Victory Bell holds a personal meaning for some players. Milon, a UC tackle who has faced off against his rivals from both sides, lost in 2023 and still recalls the bitterness of that loss.
“It would mean everything,” Milon said. “I was here in 2023 and got a bad taste in my mouth from losing. I will never want to feel like that again. The Bell means much more as the years passed since I’ve been here. That rivalry, I didn’t know too much about it. Now, I could never feel like that ever again.”
The stakes rest heavily on all those caught up in it. For the competitors who have already heard the bell, the aim remains plain: sound it once again.
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