Well, back in 2009, them Cincinnati Bearcats sure did make a name for themselves in college football. Let me tell ya, I ain’t no football expert, but folks around here sure were proud of them boys. They went 12-1 that season, and that’s no small feat, I reckon. Ended up being ranked 8th in the nation by the AP poll, and that’s something to be proud of, especially comin’ from the Big East Conference.
The head coach back then was Brian Kelly, and let me tell ya, he sure knew how to whip them boys into shape. Under his lead, them Bearcats were tough to beat. They went undefeated in their conference, 7-0, now that’s somethin’ to be proud of. They had a good season, and it made folks around Cincinnati real happy. The team had a solid record that year, and them folks didn’t expect no less.

Now, I ain’t gonna go and list every feller who played, but I’ll tell ya, them Bearcats had some mighty fine talent. There was Tony Pike, the quarterback, and he was something else. Tall fella, threw the ball like he meant it. He made sure them plays went right, and that’s what you need in a quarterback, someone who can take charge and lead the team. Then there was Mardy Gilyard, the wide receiver. That boy could catch a ball like nobody’s business. I tell ya, when he got his hands on that ball, there was no stoppin’ him.
The team was full of talent, but they weren’t just a one-man show. They had folks like Jacob Ramsey and Isaiah Pead in the backfield, runnin’ the ball with determination. Them running backs knew how to make yards, and that’s something you can’t take for granted. They all had their part to play, and when they played together, they were unstoppable.
Defensively, they had some tough boys too. Guys like Connor Barwin and Ryan Manalac were makin’ tackles all over the place. You could tell that defense was somethin’ that meant a lot to them. They weren’t gonna let nobody get by ‘em without a fight. And that’s what you need in football, a defense that’s ready to stand tall and make a difference when it counts.
The 2009 season was a big deal for Cincinnati, and I reckon it’s one folks around there won’t forget anytime soon. They played hard, and they played for each other. Now, I ain’t gonna say they were perfect—ain’t no team that is—but they sure did put on a show that season. Their hard work paid off, and that’s what we all can respect.
And it wasn’t just the big wins that made ‘em stand out. It was the way they carried themselves. They had a pride about them, and they knew what they were fightin’ for. Whether they was playin’ at home in Nippert Stadium or out on the road, they gave it their all. When you put your heart into something, it shows, and that’s exactly what them Bearcats did.

So, if you’re lookin’ to learn more about that 2009 team, well, I reckon it’s worth takin’ a look. Those boys played a mighty fine season, and you can bet people still talk about it today. Whether it’s their offensive plays or their tough defense, the 2009 Cincinnati Bearcats showed the world what they was made of, and that’s somethin’ to be proud of.
Key Players in the 2009 Cincinnati Bearcats Roster:
- Tony Pike – Quarterback
- Mardy Gilyard – Wide Receiver
- Jacob Ramsey – Running Back
- Isaiah Pead – Running Back
- Connor Barwin – Defensive End
- Ryan Manalac – Linebacker
When you look back at that season, it ain’t hard to see why them boys from Cincinnati hold a special place in folks’ hearts. They gave it their all, and they didn’t let up. So next time you hear someone talk about the 2009 Cincinnati Bearcats, you’ll know they were somethin’ special, and you’ll know it wasn’t just luck—it was hard work and determination.
Tags:[Cincinnati Bearcats Football, 2009 Football Roster, Cincinnati Bearcats, NCAA Football, Big East Football, Tony Pike, Mardy Gilyard, Football Roster, NCAA FBS, Brian Kelly, Cincinnati Football]