Gino Guidugli calls signals. (Mike Simons photos) | ZOOM |

        During the first half of the University of Cincinnati's annual Red vs. Black spring game, quarterback Gino Guidugli struggled to avoid the defensive rush. He also missed several receivers down field. By halftime, the Fort Thomas native had thrown for only 29 yards. What a difference the second half made.

        Guidugli threw for 146 yards, including touchdown passes of 58 and 54 yards in the third quarter, to lead the Black team to a 37-8 win Saturday at a rainy Nippert Stadium.

        The game ended spring practice for the Bearcats. The next time the team will practice together will be workouts in August. UC opens the season Sept.2 against Texas Christian Uni versity.

        “Leading up to the scrimmage, the defense has really been kicking us (around),” Guidugli said. “Today, the offense came together.”

Zach Norton (red jersey) breaks up a pass to Jon Olinger. | ZOOM |

        Even though the defense still appears to be the Bearcats' strength, Guidugli and the offense showed they will be able to help out on the scoreboard. Guidugli completed seven of 13 passes for 175 yards and two TDs.

        Receivers Jon Olinger (58 yards) and Tye Keith (54 yards) were the recipients of the long touchdown passes.

        “I missed a couple of throws early, then I started to get on track,” Guidugli said. “Any time I can get the ball to our receivers, something big-time can happen.”

        Guidugli tried to connect with Olinger three times on a deep post route before Olinger came down with one. Early in the game, he dropped the ball in the end zone. Later, Guidugli overthrew him. The third time worked.

        “We run that play a lot,” Olinger said of his only catch. “It's a big play for us during the season. Hopefully we can connect on it.”

Guidugli prepares to hand off. | ZOOM |

        Also impressive was running back David Harris, who rushed 17 times for 83 yards and two TDs.

        “It felt great to get the opportunity to go out there and run the ball,” Harris said. “I had a lot of good blocks down field. It opened up Gino's passing.”

        Red team running back Richard Hall, a Wyoming grad who transfered to UC from Ohio State, led all rushers with 91 yards on 22 carries.

        UC coach Rick Minter said he won't decide on a punter to replace Adam Wulfeck until fall drills. In the running for the job is backup quarterback John Leonard, Joe Wolke and Kyle McDaniel.

        Leonard punted twice for a 38.5-yard average, Wolke twice (25 average) and McDaniel once (37 yards).

DeMarco McCleskey gained 30 yards on 10 carries. | ZOOM |

        The defense did make its share of big plays. Quarterbacks were sacked a total of 11 times, and Jeremy Jackson returned an interception of a George Murray pass 68 yards for a score in the third period for the Black team.

        Murray, who started at quarterback for the Red Team, competed four of 13 passes for 116 yards and one TD. He also had two interceptions.

        Defensive end Antwan Peek finished the afternoon with one sack, one tackle and numerous pressures.

        “There were a lot of players I was worried about earlier, but they've really stepped up and showed that they're capable of making plays,” Peek said. “That's what we need on our defense”

        Adam Roberts, Donald Germany and A.J. Xhudo all had two sacks apiece.

        Red Team ....... 0 8 0 0—8
        Black Team ....... 3 0 20 14—37

        First Quarter
        Black - Jonathan Ruffin 35 FG
        Second Quarter
        Red- Team safety
        Red- LaDaris Vann 61 pass from George Murray (Kyle McDaniel kick failed)
        Third Quarter
        Black - Jon Olinger 58 pass from Gino Guidugli (Ruffin kick)
        Black - Tye Keith 54 pass from Guidugli (Ruffin kick)
        Black - Jeremy Jackson 68 yard interception return (Ruffin kick failed)
        Fourth Quarter
        Black - David Harris 4 run (Ruffin kick)
        Black - Harris 9 run (Ruffin kick)

        INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
        PASSING: Red—Murray 13-4-2 116; Faulkner 5-2-0 26; Black—Guidugli 13-7-0 175
        RUSHING: Red—Hall 22-91, Murray 13-15, B. Vann 3-10, L Vann 1-7; Black — Harris 17-83, McCleskey 10-30, Leonard 1-12
        RECEIVING: Red—L. Vann 3-69, Holly 1-47, Henderson 1-14, Lucius 1-12; Black—Keith 4-111, Olinger 1-58, McCleskey 1-4, Jones 1-2.

Guidugli finds his touch in spring game Different paths led to UC track