The unofficial online home for fans of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:39 PM)mikecat Wrote:  Ben Bryant to Eastern Michigan!!!

Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:39 PM)mikecat Wrote:  Ben Bryant to Eastern Michigan!!!

Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

Or...more likely, that doesn't matter at all to him and he's going to a program that is not an absolute dumpster fire in NIU, and instead decided to go to a program with a good offensive coach who has his team in an upward trajectory.

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:39 PM)mikecat Wrote:  Ben Bryant to Eastern Michigan!!!

Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

One of the participants on a recent Zoom call at work was in Chicago. Her jaw about dropped when I told her my kids had attended school in person all year thus far and what else was open here in Ohio.

In addition to Covid, it seems like a lot of the better talent in state has no interest if staying in Illinois. When I looked at the last recruiting cycle all the top 50 kids other than a couple to Northwestern were going to other B10 teams, Notre Dame, UC, Iowa State, Missouri, BC, 1-2 to MAC schools not names NIU.

(01-08-2021 01:32 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:39 PM)mikecat Wrote:  Ben Bryant to Eastern Michigan!!!

Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

One of the participants on a recent Zoom call at work was in Chicago. Her jaw about dropped when I told her my kids had attended school in person all year thus far and what else was open here in Ohio.

In addition to Covid, it seems like a lot of the better talent in state has no interest if staying in Illinois. When I looked at the last recruiting cycle all the top 50 kids other than a couple to Northwestern were going to other B10 teams, Notre Dame, UC, Iowa State, Missouri, BC, 1-2 to MAC schools not names NIU.

There are two in-state options in Illinois.

UI, who is just plain atrocious
NW, a historically .500 program who have incredibly high academic standards that a lot of in-state talent probably couldn't hit

But yeah...it's because it's full of liberals

(01-08-2021 01:36 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:32 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:39 PM)mikecat Wrote:  Ben Bryant to Eastern Michigan!!!

Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

One of the participants on a recent Zoom call at work was in Chicago. Her jaw about dropped when I told her my kids had attended school in person all year thus far and what else was open here in Ohio.

In addition to Covid, it seems like a lot of the better talent in state has no interest if staying in Illinois. When I looked at the last recruiting cycle all the top 50 kids other than a couple to Northwestern were going to other B10 teams, Notre Dame, UC, Iowa State, Missouri, BC, 1-2 to MAC schools not names NIU.

There are two in-state options in Illinois.

UI, who is just plain atrocious
NW, a historically .500 program who have incredibly high academic standards that a lot of in-state talent probably couldn't hit

But yeah...it's because it's full of liberals

I wasn’t going down the political path.. my point is “something” is driving kids out of state. Some of those Top 50 kids committed to Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Ball State- none of them to NIU or Illinois. I am aware that NIU’s enrollment has been dropping like flies and I do not think they are the only one in that state.

(01-08-2021 01:43 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:32 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

One of the participants on a recent Zoom call at work was in Chicago. Her jaw about dropped when I told her my kids had attended school in person all year thus far and what else was open here in Ohio.

In addition to Covid, it seems like a lot of the better talent in state has no interest if staying in Illinois. When I looked at the last recruiting cycle all the top 50 kids other than a couple to Northwestern were going to other B10 teams, Notre Dame, UC, Iowa State, Missouri, BC, 1-2 to MAC schools not names NIU.

There are two in-state options in Illinois.

UI, who is just plain atrocious
NW, a historically .500 program who have incredibly high academic standards that a lot of in-state talent probably couldn't hit

But yeah...it's because it's full of liberals

I wasn’t going down the political path.. my point is “something” is driving kids out of state. Some of those Top 50 kids committed to Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Ball State- none of them to NIU or Illinois. I am aware that NIU’s enrollment has been dropping like flies and I do not think they are the only one in that state.

NIU is akin to Akron financially right now...I'd be surprised if either survive this decade as independent institutions.

It's a question of saturation. There are only 3 FBS programs in the state of Illinois...they're not just recruiting Illinois for their players either, so you're clearly going to have a lot of people leaving. ****, look at Ohio. Only 19 of last year's Top 50 stayed in the state and we have 8 FBS schools. Your numbers are no more or less normal than they are in any other state.

(01-08-2021 01:32 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:39 PM)mikecat Wrote:  Ben Bryant to Eastern Michigan!!!

Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

One of the participants on a recent Zoom call at work was in Chicago. Her jaw about dropped when I told her my kids had attended school in person all year thus far and what else was open here in Ohio.

In addition to Covid, it seems like a lot of the better talent in state has no interest if staying in Illinois. When I looked at the last recruiting cycle all the top 50 kids other than a couple to Northwestern were going to other B10 teams, Notre Dame, UC, Iowa State, Missouri, BC, 1-2 to MAC schools not names NIU.

Yep. It's amazing the bubbles people live in.

Even here in Central Illinois, most of the people in the college towns & Peoria have no idea that the rural high schools less than 20 minutes away are 100% in-person.

(01-08-2021 01:43 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:32 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:23 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  

(01-07-2021 04:51 PM)vabearcat Wrote:  Wow, that’s a strange one. Historically, one of the most inept college football programs anywhere. I would have guessed Bryant to Northern Illinois, Illinois State, maybe even Illinois, I wish Bryant every success, but playing in Ypsilanti in an empty stadium every week doesn’t sound like a way to fulfill one’s college football dream.

The rest of the Midwest has no idea how nuts Illinois is about COVID.

It makes Michigan look like a red state in comparison. Example: the zoos and museums in Chicago have been closed since mid-November. But Detroit's zoos & museums are open for business.

Maybe Bryant doesn't want to be quarantined at the drop of a hat.

One of the participants on a recent Zoom call at work was in Chicago. Her jaw about dropped when I told her my kids had attended school in person all year thus far and what else was open here in Ohio.

In addition to Covid, it seems like a lot of the better talent in state has no interest if staying in Illinois. When I looked at the last recruiting cycle all the top 50 kids other than a couple to Northwestern were going to other B10 teams, Notre Dame, UC, Iowa State, Missouri, BC, 1-2 to MAC schools not names NIU.

There are two in-state options in Illinois.

UI, who is just plain atrocious
NW, a historically .500 program who have incredibly high academic standards that a lot of in-state talent probably couldn't hit

But yeah...it's because it's full of liberals

I wasn’t going down the political path.. my point is “something” is driving kids out of state. Some of those Top 50 kids committed to Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Ball State- none of them to NIU or Illinois. I am aware that NIU’s enrollment has been dropping like flies and I do not think they are the only one in that state.

EMU was 2-4 but could easily been 4-2 or even 5-1. The only loss by more than 1 score was Toledo by 17.

Any word if Cameron Young is coming back? The dude averaged 43.5 yards per carry. LOL

(01-09-2021 08:29 AM)doss2 Wrote:  Any word if Cameron Young is coming back? The dude averaged 43.5 yards per carry. LOL

I know you are joking, but he said his goodbyes on twitter.

Ty Fryfogle, an explosive WR and perhaps Indiana’s best player announced a few minutes ago he was returning next year. There is going to be a barn burner in Bloomington next year.

Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I'm betting we look to pick up a big back out of the transfer portal if a suitable guy becomes available. Fickell likes a bruiser and right now we do not have one. He definitely likes to mix up the running back look.

(01-09-2021 12:30 PM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I'm betting we look to pick up a big back out of the transfer portal if a suitable guy becomes available. Fickell likes a bruiser and right now we do not have one. He definitely likes to mix up the running back look.

Unless players leave our '21 class that is fully signed, I don't think we can take any more transfers.

(01-09-2021 12:30 PM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I'm betting we look to pick up a big back out of the transfer portal if a suitable guy becomes available. Fickell likes a bruiser and right now we do not have one. He definitely likes to mix up the running back look.

I believe (even with the son of active military recruit) that we’ve got our 25 man allotment now.

(01-09-2021 12:52 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:30 PM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I'm betting we look to pick up a big back out of the transfer portal if a suitable guy becomes available. Fickell likes a bruiser and right now we do not have one. He definitely likes to mix up the running back look.

Unless players leave our '21 class that is fully signed, I don't think we can take any more transfers.

Lol! Dayum bro, get out of my head!

(01-09-2021 12:52 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:30 PM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I'm betting we look to pick up a big back out of the transfer portal if a suitable guy becomes available. Fickell likes a bruiser and right now we do not have one. He definitely likes to mix up the running back look.

Unless players leave our '21 class that is fully signed, I don't think we can take any more transfers.

I'd be shocked with all the guys coming back if there is not more movement.

(01-09-2021 12:54 PM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:52 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:30 PM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I'm betting we look to pick up a big back out of the transfer portal if a suitable guy becomes available. Fickell likes a bruiser and right now we do not have one. He definitely likes to mix up the running back look.

Unless players leave our '21 class that is fully signed, I don't think we can take any more transfers.

I'd be shocked with all the guys coming back if there is not more movement.

Movement doesn’t affect the amount of guys you can bring in in a class. 25 newcomers is the Max.

(01-09-2021 12:13 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  Defensively, I am less worried about quarterbacks and wide receivers next year than I am about strong offensive lines followed by tough, quick running backs.

If we can shut down teams' running games, our backfield will make the passing game pay.

I am not. I think that Sanders got the same info from NFL scouts that Ridder got. I think he spends the off season working on his Weight and his Strength to be able to take on any NFL lineman. Because that is the biggest knock on him right now. Then you have Biggs which I think is a little upgrade to Ponder. No offense to Ponder he was great for us. Then you have Brooks coming back. Then you have Vann which I think is going to have a Big Senior year. He is better against the run than the pass. I think that will also free up the LB to be better play makers in the run game. They will not have any one to fight thru to get to the runners because the Oline will be to worried about the Dline. I think we will have the best 3 levels of Defense in the AAC and this defense has the tools to be the Best defense in College next year.