Sunday, August 23, 1998
Senior safety Tinker Keck returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown, and the University of Cincinnati's No. 1 defensive unit dominated the Bearcats' first preseason scrimmage Saturday.
Cornerback Don McKnight forced a fumble that led to another score, as safety Eric Harper returned the loose ball 49 yards for a TD.
The No. 1 defense held the offense to just one first down in 10 series. Linebacker DeJuan Gossett (Wyoming High) added an interception for the defense.
"With 10 seniors on the first defensive unit, we expected the defense to play well and they did," coach Rick Minter said.
Senior Chad Plummer and sophomore Deontey Kenner alternated at quarterback with the No. 1 offense, as expected. Plummer completed 4-of-7 passes for 27 yards, while Kenner was 11-of-23 for 84 yards. Plummer did not play any wide receiver, his scheduled position should Kenner play quarterback.
Junior Robert Cooper, vying with senior Orlando Smith for playing time at halfback, led rushers with eight carries for 45 yards. Freshman DeMarco McCleskey rushed 12 times for 40 yards and two TDs.
"This scrimmage was designed to be a get-to-know each other," Minter said. "We obviously have a long way to go before we open the season in two weeks, but there were some positive signs."
UC, coming off an 8-4 season and Humanitarian Bowl victory, must replace 10 starters including five NFL draftees.
The Bearcats open vs. Tulane at Nippert Stadium on Sept. 5 (7 p.m.). The game is to be televised locally on WXIX (Fox 19).
Statistics (no score kept)
Rushing: Cooper 8-45; McCleskey 12-40; Isom 8-33; Brayboy 4-29; O.Smith 8-28; Garden 7-25; Mays 5-18.
Passing: Plummer 7-4-0_27; Kenner 23-11-0_84; Bertucci 16-8-2_113. Receiving_Smikle 6-37; Olinger 3-52; Hice 3-20; Collins-Baker 2-30; Keith 1-18.
Scoring plays:
Keck 26 interception return Keith 18 pass from Bertucci
Olinger 14 pass from Bertucci
Stoker 14 run
McCleskey 1 run
Garden 13 run
Harper 49 fumble return
Mays 5 run
McCleskey 8 run
