Tuesday, September 26, 2000

UC tries to move past IU

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Offensive spark must return for game at Tulane

By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Adam Hoover (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

        In the cold, quiet atmosphere of the University of Cincinnati film room, coach Rick Minter came to several conclusions about his team's 42-6 loss at Indiana.

        Among them:

        • Backup quarterback Adam Hoover looked even better than originally thought.

        • The Bearcat players will not be shown the UC-IU game film.

        These conclusions are important because, 1.) starting UC QB Deontey Kenner (abdominal strain) might not be able to play Saturday at Tulane, and 2.) the offense has more time to figure out how it can get back to moving the ball like it did last year.

        Minter had calmed down considerably after having given the Bearcats a no-holds-barred chewing-out immediately following Saturday's game.

        “It's a good thing those tapes are a silent film, basically, because it allows us as coaches to sit there and analyze them and take the emotion out of it,” Minter said.

        One thing's certain: It's good thing UC doesn't play 11 games against option attacks as fast and sophisticated as Indiana's. If the Bearcats did, the Bengals wouldn't be the only team in town contemplating a winless season. (The only option-team left on UC's schedule is Alabama-Birmingham).

        The Bearcats (2-2) travel to New Orleans this weekend with a chance to run their conference record to 2-0. But they still have to overcome history (a 2-9 series' record vs. Tulane), a trend (two-game losing streak, both on the road) and themselves (a sputtering passing attack).

        UC hit some big plays against Army, Syracuse and Wisconsin, but none against Indiana. Most of UC's touchdowns have come from outside the 15- and 20-yard lines. Before the season, Minter stressed the need for big plays to ease the pressure on the red-zone offense. But all TDs can't be big plays, and the Bearcats' receivers must start hanging on to the passes that keep the chains moving so that UC's solid running game can get the tough red-zone yards.

        Minter said receivers coach Ty Dixon counted “six or seven” dropped balls by UC Saturday.

        Minter doesn't blame UC's of fensive woes on having lost last year's offensive coordinator.

        “We need to be more explosive,” Minter said. “We want big plays in bunches. We may need to throw a few more of 'em. And we're missing (DeMarco) McCleskey's elusiveness.”

        McCleskey (pulled hamstring) is questionable for Saturday, as are tight end Ashley Hunt and offensive lineman Kirt Doolin (ankles), linebacker Eddie Johnson (knee), and defensive back Freddy Smith (shoulder).

        UC remains on track for the minimally required 6-5 record and top four finish in Conference USA to secure one of its four bowl bids. But it must halt the losing streak and regain the self-image it had after beating Syracuse to go 2-0.

        Minter upgraded backup QB Hoover's game to a “B or a B-minus” after watching the film. (Originally, he gave him a “C.”)

        “He blanked out on a couple of things, but I attribute it to a lack of repetitions in practice,” Minter said. “He showed some spunk and some poise out there.”

        Hoover, 23, from Corona, Calif., starred at Saddleback Junior College before coming to UC to back up Kenner this year. He was 11-for-21 passing for 97 yards against Indiana.

        He throws a nice spiral, has some mobility, isn't afraid to run and picks up yards when he does.

        Hoover said Minter told the Bearcats after the loss their season was “at a crossroads.” They can either regroup or quit.

        “We have to pick it up in all phases of the game in order to be able to compete in Conference USA,” Hoover said.

       

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