Cincy's making some noise with new coach, offense

QB Ben Mauk (left) and new head coach Brian Kelly have quickly guided Cincinnati into the Top 25. AP

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There are constants in Cincinnati, like chili splashed on top of a heaping pile of spaghetti and pro sports reigning supreme. College football isn't typically on the Queen City's radar.

First-year coach Brian Kelly's squad, though, has become hard to ignore. Off to its best start in 53 years at 5-0, UC is ranked (No. 20) for the first time since 1976 -- and Cincinnati is taking notice. A record 35,097 filled Nippert Stadium for last month's home win over Marshall and the Oct. 13 game with Louisville is already sold out. Last season, when the Bearcats went 8-5 en route to their 10th bowl bid in 60 years, they drew an average of 20,373 fans.

"This town will support a winner, regardless of whether it's cornhole or ping pong. If you win in this town they'll come out and support you," said Kelly. "We're winning and that's why we're getting the support."

Kelly won two national titles in 13 seasons at Division II Grand Valley State, revitalized Central Michigan -- leading it to a MAC title in three years -- and won a bowl game at Cincinnati last season after taking over for Mark Dantonio, who moved on to Michigan State. But few would have believed he'd have the Bearcats winning so quickly, having them looking like this season's Wake Forest in the process. But just don't call this team a surprise.

"A lot of times people try to categorize your football team as 'surprising.' I wouldn't use that word," Kelly said. "I think we've gotten off to a good start and the reason for that is I have 19 seniors. I have guys that have been though it."

After the International Bowl victory over Western Michigan, Kelly scrapped Dantonio's power running attack and installed a no-huddle spread offense. Despite not having players recruited for the new scheme, Cincinnati is currently sixth in the country in scoring offense (46.4 points per game), 31st in rushing (193 yards per game), 33rd in passing (260 ypg) and 22nd in total offense (453 ypg).

"The question was, Did we have the personnel to make the transition? That's been a bit of a struggle," Kelly said. "Having said that, they've done an outstanding job considering the short amount of time we've been in this offense."

At least one player on the Cincinnati roster was no stranger to a no-huddle spread, Quarterback Ben Mauk set five national passing records while running the offense at Kenton (Ohio) High. A Wake Forest transfer, Mauk was grandfathered in under a recently rescinded rule allowing degreed players to change schools without sitting out a year. He's been one of the nation's most effective passers, ranking fourth in passing efficiency (183.7).

At times, Mauk has been bothered by pins that were put in his passing arm after he dislocated his shoulder and broke his arm in the Demon Deacons' season-opener last year. That has forced Kelly to use Dustin Grutza, who started 10 games in '06, in relief. Kelly may have found a way to end the uncertainty at the position, though, with Mauk avoiding deep throws at practice.

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