The University of Cincinnati football defense has slipped from No. 13 in last year's final national rankings to No. 36 this year, which wounds the players' pride. But there is an important difference.
''The main thing is that we're winning,'' said John Kobalka, senior defensive tackle and a team captain.
Next
So. Miss. (5-2)
at UC (6-2)
When: 3:30 p.m., Saturday
Where:Nippert Stadium
TV:Fox Sports Net
Line:So. Miss by 4 1/2.
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UC is 6-2 this year, compared to 4-4 at this time last season. Last year's Bearcats finished 6-5, and this year's team has three games to top that.
UC (6-2 overall, 1-2 Conference USA) plays league leader Southern Mississippi (5-2, 3-0) at Nippert Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Kobalka said the UC defense hopes to climb the national rankings again. The Bearcats hovered among the top 15 defenses until the past three weeks, when they allowed nearly 34 points per game. Consecutive double-overtime games did not help.
''Our goal is still to be No. 1,'' Kobalka said.
Despite the statistical drop-off, the UC defense has had some great moments in 1997. The Bearcats had a 2ï-game stretch where they allowed no touchdowns, and set a school record by holding Kansas to minus-46 rushing yards in a 34-7 win on Sept. 20. They held Kansas to 53 total yards that night, fourth-best in school history.
UC coach Rick Minter said the defense has become a victim of its own success.
''Teams have had a year to catch on to what we do,'' he said.
This is UC's second year under defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who uses the famed 46 defense of his father, former NFL coach Buddy Ryan. The 46, which features eight-man fronts and relentless blitzing, can leave defensive backs vulnerable.
''It is more difficult the second time around, and the X-factor is that teams have some ideas against us now,'' Minter said. ''Plus, we're missing some talent from a year ago.''
The 1996 UC defense sent five players to NFL camps last summer - defensive backs Sam Garnes, Chris Hewitt and Jermaine Trent and linemen Darrius Felder and Terry Grooms. Garnes starts for the New York Giants.
Only starter Artrell Hawkins returned in the secondary, and the defense lost speed overall.
''We're not getting enough of a pass rush,'' said senior defensive end Derrick Ransom, who leads UC with six sacks. ''Until we do that, people are going to keep throwing on us.''
The '97 Bearcats are far better at stopping the run than the '96 team, allowing only 83.5 yards per game compared to 121.5 last year. The pass defense is allowing 241.1 after allowing 157 last year, but Minter will take the improved rush defense any day.
''You still have to run the football, and stop the run defensively, to have a winning program,'' he said.
Last week, UC was pummeled 419-215 in total yards by Miami, but won 34-31 in double overtime thanks largely to the defense creating four turnovers.
''We're just not a physically dominant team,'' Minter said. ''So, part of our defensive structure is to take the ball away.'' In UC's six wins, the Bearcats have forced 22 turnovers while making only nine. In the two losses, UC has made eight turnovers, forcing just two.
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