When UC took a 20 point lead over the University of Connecticut Huskies Saturday night, Brian Kelly said he was tempted to put Tony Pike in for a series to knock off the rust.
He knocked off that line of thinking in quick order when the Huskies started to snarl and made one big play after another. A Jordan Todman 46 yard touchdown run at the 10 minute mark of the third quarter. Then an 87-yard Robert McClain punt return for a touchdown. All the while UC was moving the ball, they had a school record 711 yards offense but were only cashing in Jacob Rogers field goals, 4 all toll.
Zach Collaros meanwhile was doing everything he could to earn another start, regardless of Tony Pike's health. he completed 29 of 37 passes for 480 yards, the second highest total in school history, for one touchdown, while scoring two himself.
But it looked like it wasn't going to be enough. Until senior defensive end Curtis Young smothered Huskies QB Zach Frazer on a two point conversion try after UConn had pulled within two at 40-38.
Isiah Pead got the call on a crucial fourth and one at the 14 yard line and motored around the right side with 1:52 left to give UC a more comfortable 47-38 lead.
But on this balmy Saturday night, no lead was safe. Frazer directed an 8 play 77 yard drive that resulted in a Marcus Easley 9 yard touchdown pass, that with Dave Teggart's pat, made for a 47-45 UC with just 13 seconds left. Charley Howard's claim on the onside kick relieved the largest crowd in Nippert Stadium history, 33,100, of the angst they'd faced as the Bearcats flirted with their first loss of the season.
Knowing that the game was telecast on Channel 9 and ABC in the midst of the November ratings no less, Brian Kelly asked with a gleeful, "We had them all the way" glint in his eye, "Great for sweeps eh?"
Yeah coach. But even better for you and the Bearcats.
