Ohio State has dominated in-state competition. Cincinnati's Tommy Tuberville knows that now
"We haven't beaten them in how long?" Tuberville asked his assistants at a staff meeting on Sunday.
They chirped back: not since 1897.
"That's a long time," Tuberville said, prompting laughter.
If Tuberville and the Bearcats want to make a mark, it begins against Ohio State. Some players said they've already heard from alumni who wouldn't mind a 1-11 record if that lone win came against the Buckeyes.
The Bearcats' opinions may differ on that, but there's no doubt this game is an important one for the program. Tuberville has helped build up the Bearcats, and now he's eyeing a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Click here to read Brian Bennett's inside look at Cincinnati, which features a nomad QB who finally found a home in Gunner Kiel and looks at how Tuberville is trying to keep the Bearcats in the playoff discussion. To do that, the Bearcats know they have to beat Ohio State on Saturday.