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Perfect regular season ends in Sugar Bowl loss

The Bearcats take the field during the 76th Allstate Sugar Bowl Jan. 1, 2010 inside the Louisiana Superdome. Florida won the game 51-24.

The Bearcats take the field during the 76th Allstate Sugar Bowl Jan. 1, 2010 inside the Louisiana Superdome. Florida won the game 51-24. Photos/Lisa Ventre and Ashley Kempher

Though it ended on a low note, the University of Cincinnati football team went to new heights in 2009 with a perfect 12-0 regular season and its second consecutive Big East title.

Despite the way the season ended — Brian Kelly's departure for Notre Dame and the 51-24 Sugar Bowl loss to Florida — the Bearcats turned in their greatest performance in history finishing the regular season ranked No. 3 in the country. In the end, UC earned its third-straight 10-win campaign and its second invite to a Bowl Championship Series game.

Though questions remain about the team's near future, newly hired coach Butch Jones can be sure he has a loyal base in Cincinnati where fans now consistently sell out Nippert Stadium. Thousands trekked to Pittsburgh for UC's thrilling come-from-behind win over Pitt, and they gobbled up all 17,500 allotted Sugar Bowl tickets in just four days.

UC was invited to the Bowl Championship Game against Florida after a 12-0 regular season and its second consecutive Big East Title.

UC was invited to the Bowl Championship Game against Florida after a 12-0 regular season and its second consecutive Big East Title.
UC's Curtis Young greets the thousands of fans who made the trip from Cincinnati to New Orleans prior to the game. UC sold out its allotment of 17,500 bowl tickets in four days.

UC's Curtis Young greets the thousands of fans who made the trip from Cincinnati to New Orleans prior to the game. UC sold out its allotment of 17,500 bowl tickets in four days.
Joining the players at the game was 12-year-old Mitch Stone, who the Bearcats adopted this season as part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Stone, who suffered from brain cancer, received a clean bill of health from doctors in November.

Joining the players at the game was 12-year-old Mitch Stone, who the Bearcats adopted this season as part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Stone, who suffered from brain cancer, received a clean bill of health from doctors in November.
UC cheerleaders perform during the game.

UC cheerleaders perform during the game.
UC President Gregory Williams greets UC fans.

UC President Gregory Williams greets UC fans.
Senior wide receiver Mardy Gilyard wowed Bearcats fans all season.

Senior wide receiver Mardy Gilyard wowed Bearcats fans all season.
One fan brought the perfect sign to the Big Easy to honor Mardy Gilyard.

One fan brought the perfect sign to the Big Easy to honor Mardy Gilyard.
UC fans packed their sections inside the Superdome.

UC fans packed their sections inside the Superdome.
Lady Antebellum sings the ''Star-Spangled Banner'' to kick things off.

Lady Antebellum sings the ''Star-Spangled Banner'' to kick things off.
The UC band leads the ''Down-the-Drive'' cheer with Bearcats fans.

The UC band leads the ''Down-the-Drive'' cheer with Bearcats fans.
UC's marching band played in front of the Superdome crowd and before millions watching at home.

UC's marching band played in front of the Superdome crowd and before millions watching at home.
Associate head coach Kerry Coombs instructs the defense.

Associate head coach Kerry Coombs instructs the defense.
The Bearcats tackle Florida's Tim Tebow. UC's Alex Daniels completed two sacks on the day.

The Bearcats tackle Florida's Tim Tebow. UC's Alex Daniels completed two sacks on the day.
UC surprised fans with an all-white uniform for the Sugar Bowl.

UC surprised fans with an all-white uniform for the Sugar Bowl.
Armon Binns pulls down a touchdown catch before falling out of bounds.

Armon Binns pulls down a touchdown catch before falling out of bounds.
Binns celebrates his touchdown.

Binns celebrates his touchdown.
The Bearcats' cheer section leads the UC faithful.

The Bearcats' cheer section leads the UC faithful.
Tony Pike finished the day with 170 yards and three touchdown, but it wasn't enough to catch the Gators.

Tony Pike finished the day with 170 yards and three touchdown, but it wasn't enough to catch the Gators.
Florida held UC to just 24 points for the game, well below their average this year of 39.8 points per game.

Florida held UC to just 24 points for the game, well below their average this year of 39.8 points per game.
UC attempts to corral Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who set BCS records with 533 yards of total offense.

UC attempts to corral Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who set BCS records with 533 yards of total offense.
Only in New Orleans can football fans get away with this sort of frivolity.

Only in New Orleans can football fans get away with this sort of frivolity.
Junior Armon Binns is expected to be a big target for returning quarterback Zach Collaros in 2010.

Junior Armon Binns is expected to be a big target for returning quarterback Zach Collaros in 2010.
In the end, the Sugar Bowl game was a disappointing result for UC fans but a season they'll never forget.

In the end, the Sugar Bowl game was a disappointing result for UC fans but a season they'll never forget.
Fans and family consoled players after the game.

Fans and family consoled players after the game.
Mardy Gilyard embraces his mom after the loss. Gilyard's next stop will be the NFL.

Mardy Gilyard embraces his mom after the loss. Gilyard's next stop will be the NFL.

Photo Galleries:


Sugar Bowl Game Photos
Fans Around New Orleans
UC Pep Rally
UC Pep Rally

 

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