There's no identity crisis for Cincinnati quarterback Gino Guidugli. Guidugli
piling up numbersBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com"I think we've done a lot to make the school known for football as much as basketball, getting in some bowl games has helped that," said Guidugli, who arrived here with his Bearcats teammates yesterday.
Cincinnati (5-5) is here to play Hawaii (8-2) on Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
Guidugli is only in his second season. But like UH sophomore Tim Chang, he is quickly moving up the charts in his school's record book, as Cincinnati is beginning to open up its offense.
Guidugli (6-feet-3, 220 pounds) is already fourth in UC career attempts and completions and third in passing yards.
Although the Bearcats aren't as pass-happy as the Warriors, Guidugli did throw the ball 52 times against Ohio State and 48 times against Miami (Ohio) earlier this season.
"Our league seems to be becoming more like the WAC, with a lot of teams throwing the ball a lot," Guidugli said. "Conference USA seems to be moving in that direction with us and Memphis very similar, throwing a lot."
The Bearcats attended a luau last night and were scheduled to practice this afternoon at Aloha Stadium.
Early return: UH sophomore inside receiver Chad Owens practiced yesterday for the first time since injuring his right knee Oct. 12 against Nevada. Owens wasn't expected back until next week.
"I was surprised to see him practice today," Warriors coach June Jones said. "We'll see how it is tomorrow. If it doesn't swell up he might see some action."
Owens, who had 36 catches for 456 yards at the time of the injury (which occurred on his only touchdown of the season), said he still has a way to go until he's back to full speed. He hopes to be ready for next week's Alabama game, if not for Cincinnati on Saturday.
"Every day hopefully it gets better from here and we'll see," he said of his prospects of playing this week.
Rita out: Former UH assistant Adam Rita was relieved of his head coach and general manager duties with the B.C. Lions of the CFL on Tuesday.
Rita, who took over the team after it started 1-5, leaves with the Lions at 10-8. He has a 46-54 record as a CFL head coach.