Cincinnati faces Miami (Ohio) in historic football rivalry

Cincinnati and Miami (Ohio) are set to renew their historic football rivalry on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET in Oxford, Ohio. This matchup marks the 127th meeting between the two teams, with the series record currently tied at 60-60-7. Last season, Miami ended Cincinnati's 16-game winning streak with a thrilling 31-24 overtime victory, showcasing the competitive nature of this long-standing rivalry. Cincinnati is looking to bounce back from a disappointing start in the Big 12, having lost to Pitt 28-27 in their previous game. Miami, coming off a loss to Northwestern, is eager to capitalize on their recent success, having won their second Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in five years. The Redhawks are led by sixth-year quarterback Brett Gabbert, who aims to guide the team to another strong season. Miami's defense, anchored by reigning MAC defensive player of the year Matt Salopek, is expected to play a crucial role in the game, especially after Salopek's impressive performance against Cincinnati last year. The rivalry, known as the “Battle for the Victory Bell,” is the oldest non-conference FBS rivalry in the nation and the second-oldest overall. The first game took place on December 8, 1888, and this matchup will be the first at Miami's Yager Stadium since 2017, where Cincinnati has won six consecutive games. With both teams eager to assert their dominance, fans can expect an exciting contest. As the Bearcats aim to improve their record and regain the upper hand in the rivalry, the stakes are high for both teams. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for their respective seasons, making it a must-watch for college football fans.