5.) UC upsets undefeated No. 7 ranked Rutgers 30-11 at Nippert Stadium. (Nov 18, 2006)
When UC welcomed the undefeated No. 7 ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights to Nippert Stadium not only did they have their hands full, but former head football coach Mark Dantonio was still in search of a signature win in his third year on the job. After leaving The Ohio State University following the 2003 season where he won a National Championship as defensive coordinator during the 2002 season, Dantonio was hired as head coach for the Cats’ in 2004. He posted a 7-5 record his first year capped off with 32-14 victory against Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl. 2005 saw the Cats’ regress some finishing with 4-7 overall record. So, when Rutgers came to town in 06′ undefeated for a nationally televised game on ESPN, the 5-5 Bearcats needed a win to be come bowl eligible and wanted to make a big statement in regards to the direction of the program.
Rutgers was deeply talented touting two future NFL running backs in Brian Leonard and Ray Rice. The Scarlet Knights also had future NFL wideout Kenny Britt, and the McCourty twins (Devin & Jason) playing defensive back on the other side of the ball. UC was limping into the contest dealing with injuries, most notably to starting quarterback Dustin Grutza who would not play in the game.
Despite quarterback Nick Davila making his first career start and fumbling the snap turning the ball over on his very first play from scrimmage the Cats’ defense rose to the challenge. Rutgers missed a 31 yard field goal keeping the game scoreless. From then on the Cats’ never looked back eventually jumping out to a 17-0 lead in front of a raucous home crowd. When the 2nd half started the Cats’ were still in control and a third quarter 85 yard touchdown pass from Davila to Bearcats legend and future Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek stretched the lead to 27-3.
The Cats’ held future Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice to a season low 54 rushing yards and prevailed with a 30-11 upset victory over the Scarlet Knights. They would carry on the momentum winning their final three games of the season, including a 27-24 win against Western Michigan in the International Bowl. Dantonio would resign as Bearcats head coach prior to the bowl game accepting the head coaching position at Michigan State, paving the way for his replacement Brian Kelly to begin the golden era of UC football.
Alex, Dave would be so proud just as I am. Great writing keep up the good work.
Good list, only thing I’d have to add to this is Pike to Bings in ’09… I don’t know what I’d remove, but that would be No. 1 or 2 for me.