University of Cincinnati football coach Luke Fickell said Tuesday that if it was up to him, and not offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and the rest of the UC offensive coaching staff, he'd probably give the ball to running back Jerome Ford every play.
"They don't always listen to me," the defensive-minded head coach said with a laugh.
Well, here's the thing: There's no question a balanced offensive attack is the right move, but when Ford gets the ball, great things happen. A lot.
The junior Alabama transfer had 16 carries, 176 yards and four touchdowns Saturday against UCF, and that was only in the first half. Ford finished with 20 carries (tied for most in his career) a career-high 189 yards and the four scores, and the No. 3/4-ranked (Associated Press/Coaches) Bearcats routed the Knights, 56-21.
"We've just been fortunate enough to be in some situations where he hasn't had to (have 30-plus touches)," Fickell said following the win. "So he's going to be really, really fresh in the second half of the season, and I think that does nothing but make us a more explosive offense and team."
