Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike says there is nothing like it. The feeling of what he calls a perfect spiral coming off the long fingers of his right hand.
"It's an amazing thing when you sit back and watch film and see what you do out there and some of the throws and the tight windows. It's just God's gift and something he's blessed me with, the ability to put the ball in different places. Sometimes you complete a pass and wonder how you made that throw."
It's an ability that he showed repeatedly during his senior year at Reading High School. When it's right, you know it.
Once that perfect spiral leaves your hand and you know it is on the money, it’s the best feeling in the world, according to Pike. And the receiver hauls it in and especially when he goes for a touchdown, it doesn't get much better.
While he waits for his broken left arm to mend, he's comforted knowing that the team hasn't suffered in his absence. That’s why he's torn when asked who for the time being, would get his MVP vote?
"Right now, it is the offensive line. The job they've done and without them, nothing like this happens. And Zach would be a close second, just the job he's been able to come in and do."
I asked if when leaving the field after their Orange Bowl loss, if there was any sense of "Oh well, that was our chance and we didn't deliver"? Pike didn't hesitate: "That's one of the special things about our team. We had a senior class that had done so much that was leaving but a couple weeks after this year's seniors got together and said it's something we can do year in and year out."
Be sure to tune into Channel 9 on Saturday. Before the Bearcats and Huskies kick off at 8 p.m., Channel 9 will broadcast "Bearcat Fever: Climb To The Top," a live one-hour special featuring in-depth analysis of the game, the excitement surrounding the team, and what the nationally televised game means to the university.
