RedHawks to host the Bearcats for game 128 of rivalry

The biggest rivalry game in Miami University football history is upon us. The RedHawks prepare to host the University of Cincinnati Bearcats for the penultimate Battle for the Victory Bell at noon on Saturday.

The series dates back to 1888 and is the longest-standing, non-conference rivalry in college football. The teams have played every year since 1945, excluding 2020, when they didn’t play due to COVID-19. The series is tied at 60-60-7.

Ahead of this weekend's game, Miami faced an early bye week, but it allowed the RedHawks to capitalize on the extra time and gear up for the toughest game of the season.

“We all have had time to heal and mentally recharge,” said Reid Holskey, a redshirt senior and offensive lineman. “I think you’ll be seeing a pretty fresh and well-rested team.”

The season-opener’s loss to the Northwestern University Wildcats disappointed the RedHawks; however, redshirt-senior defensive lineman Kobe Hilton said the two weeks of recovery and practice gave Miami plenty of time to get ready for the 128th meeting against the Bearcats.

“I feel like we're totally prepared,” Hilton said. “We’ve had two weeks to get ready for this game, and now we just need to stay positive and keep each other in good spirits. It’s going to be a crazy game.”

The rivalry, which was the first football game ever played in Ohio, is a point of significance and tradition for not only the Miami football community, but the greater network of students, fans and alumni.

Last year, head coach Chuck Martin mentioned that if there’s one thing Miami fans will remember about their 2024 season, it’s the victory against Cincinnati. This year, his opinion hasn’t changed.

“I always say, ‘What does a rivalry mean to Miami football?’” Martin said. “It means everything. This is bigger than any game all season. This should be one of the best and biggest games played at Miami in a long, long time”

Miami snapped its 16-game losing streak against Cincinnati with a historic 31-24 victory in overtime despite Cincinnati being the significant favorite. Cornerback Yahsyn McKee’s blocked field goal and game-sealing interception brought the Victory Bell back to Oxford for the first time since 2005.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the Bearcats remain the favorite, having gone 1-1 in the first two games of the 2024 season while the RedHawks stand at 0-1.

Cincinnati, a Power Five team, holds a roster of talented individuals, including Indiana University transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who threw for 681 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions in his first two games.

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Two receivers, senior Xzavier Henderson and redshirt-junior Joe Royer, racked up 319 yards and contributed two touchdowns off Sorsby’s passes.

The Bearcats’ air attack combines with a ground threat from senior Corey Kiner and redshirt-junior Evan Pryor, who have 309 rushing yards and one touchdown together.

“Their roster looks big, strong and athletic,” Martin said. “They don’t look like MAC opponents, and the speed and physicality is going to be really fast.”

Miami hosts the competition for the first time since 2017, and it looks to take advantage of the home crowd for support.

“I don’t think there is going to be a crowd as big as what’s coming this weekend,” Hilton said. “I am excited knowing that winning the game last year was one of the best feelings ever.”

Key players are missing from the RedHawks’ roster this year; however, notable players, including returning quarterback Brett Gabbert and last year’s MAC Defensive Player of the Year Matt Salopek, are preparing the unfamiliar players for the weekend.

With hopes to be the senior class that keeps the bell, Holskey talked more about his preparation for the game to ensure it remains in Oxford.

“For us guys that have been there before and done it many times, it's more so preparing yourself to get into that arena,” Holskey said. “You’ve been there before, you know what it's like, but each year is a little different.”

This year’s edition will be the last consecutive game in the series, as there is no game scheduled for 2025. The two teams will next meet in 2026 at Paycor Stadium, but no further games have been scheduled.

To close out the longstanding rivalry in what might be the last game played at Yager Stadium, the RedHawks hope to take a final advantage in the series’ standings.

“To me, this rivalry means leaving a legacy,” Holskey said. “When we write the year on the bell this year, [it] will be my senior class. It’s like leaving a legacy of something that will be there forever because those years [on] that bell are pretty important.”

Just a few short days remain until the noon kickoff. Tickets are selling fast, and the showdown will take place right here at Yager Stadium.

lubyhj@miamioh.edu