(12-06-2019 02:16 PM)bearcatmark Wrote: To me the Gilyard touchdown is still the play that sticks with me every bit as much as Pike to Binns.
Quote: The air had come out of the sail of the Bearcat fans at Heinz field that day and I have no doubt everywhere else Bearcat fans were watching the game. My sister was texting me about the game. I remember her texts being fairly resigned to UC losing. My response to her down 31-10 was something to the effect of “they’ll find a way to win this game.” Did I really believe it? I don’t know. I had faith in this team. They could explode in a hurry. Maybe I was trying to convince myself. However, a few seconds later I would believe. I would fully buy in. Mardy Gilyard would make sure I did.
Mardy was a force of nature in his time at UC and always had huge plays on the biggest of stages. He ran back a kickoff against Oklahoma. He ran the opening kickoff back when UC won at WVU in 2008 setting up their championship run. He ran back a kickoff the week before against Illinois. However, this was the one everyone will always remember. He takes the kick, sprints forward, makes a couple quick moves then darts to the left corner of the endzone, outrunning every Pitt defender trying to cut him off. I was at the game, but in the many times I have seen it since McDonough’s call remains one of the great calls I have heard. “Here comes Mardy Gilyard. Free at last!” I picked up my phone and sent another text to my sister barely a minute after my last one. I remember exactly what it said “We’re ******* winning this game!” This time, I know I believed.
I agree. When Mardy took that kick back I clearly remember for whatever reason we would make it a game and most likely complete a great comeback (youngster dreams).
/
Experiencing Bearcat Football: A Decade Apart
