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CINCINNATI -- They will be playing their first game of the season in what can be even remotely called inclement weather. The UC Bearcats and Fighting Illini will kick off at 12 p.m. Friday, under gray skies, with blustery winds exaggerating the 35ish degree air temperature.
Just like Brian Kelly hoped for.
This game will be instructive in a couple ways for the #5 Bearcats. It will test Tony Pike's tight spirals which cut through the wind with more decision than what he calls 'wounded ducks'. And it will give him a feel for whether the tensile strength has returned to his fractured left arm.
As for the rest of the 'Cats? They'll be getting a taste of what undoubtedly lies in store for them next Saturday at Heinz Field, when they take on the Pitt Panthers.
Only variable is that while Nippert Stadium features the consistent footing of an all-weather playing surface, Heinz Field is outfitted with natural turf. That upon closer inspection before November 15ths Bengals game, was beginning to show some serious wear. Un-even areas, with depressions and divots.
Presumably it will only have deteriorated all the more by the time the 'Cats arrive next weekend.
