CINCINNATI — This Saturday's college football showdown between No. 7 Cincinnati and No. 9 Notre Dame is one of the biggest games in recent history for the Bearcats.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly - who coached Cincinnati from 2007 to 2009 - made light of the notion on during a Monday press conference when asked why he wanted to add Cincinnati to Notre Dame's schedule.
"I think I've got games scheduled with Central Michigan as well," said Kelly, who coached at Central Michigan prior to his time in Cincinnati.
A match-up with Cincinnati certainly holds different weight on a schedule than a game against Central Michigan.
The Chippewas are 2-2 this fall, with wins over Robert Morris and Florida International. Cincinnati is a Top 10-ranked team in college football.
"Just wanted to give those schools an opportunity to play Notre Dame," Kelly said. "Usually those schools are wanting to do that."
The game does hold significant value on Cincinnati's schedule. Notre Dame might end up the only ranked team the Bearcats play this season.
But it's far from a "money game" or "pay game." Cincinnati is ranked higher nationally than Notre Dame.
Kelly went on to show gratitude to Central Michigan and Cincinnati for giving him a coaching opportunity earlier in his career.
Cincinnati and Notre Dame kick off at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday in South Bend, Ind.
