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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 7:56 AM Wednesday, September 23, 2009

So, University of Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead finally said it: In his opinion, the Bearcats are the state’s best college football team.

That thought has been bumped around for the past few weeks, as Ohio State got off to a lackluster start against Navy and Southern California and Cincinnati started rolling up big-time numbers and points.

If nothing else, think of how far Cincinnati has come. In 2005, some of you might have been there live when Miami University hosted UC and trounced the Bearcats 44-16. That Cincinnati team looked like it was many years, if not decades, away from being competitive.

That was the low point. Now, the Cincinnati team we see is one that gains 516.7 yards per game while holding opponents to 271. The quarterback, Tony Pike, throws for 307.7 yards per game. It all adds up to an average of 48.3 points per game.

Cincinnati has played Ohio State tough, and if there were ever a recent season during which we would want to see them play, this is it.

The argument about which team is tops in the state should provide an interesting story line throughout the season, particularly if both continue to win.

But sitting here today, right now, looking at both, one thinks about Pead’s statement.

The best college football team in Ohio? The Bearcats have my vote.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@coxohio.com

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