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Northwestern State coach expects challenge, bland food in visit to Cincinnati Bearcats

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 14:33 GMT by The Cincinnati Enquirer
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Northwestern State’s Coach Hints at “Bland Food” Ahead of the UC Bearcats Showdown

A little more than a day before the highly anticipated meeting of Northwestern State University and the University of Cincinnati’s football squads, Coach Kevin Corcoran—head coach of the Demons—tipped that the pre‑game meals were going to be…well, bland. The remark, made in a light‑hearted interview with Cincinnati.com, sparked curiosity not only among fans and analysts but also among the players who had to reconcile the notion of “plain‑spoken” cuisine with the intensity of the upcoming contest.

A Contextual Snapshot

The two teams are not traditional rivals. Northwestern State (Lafayette, Louisiana) competes in the Southland Conference, while Cincinnati (Ohio) plays in the American Athletic Conference. Their encounter is part of a rare non‑conference matchup that usually draws extra attention from both sets of supporters. For Cincinnati, the Bearcats’ defense has shown the resilience that has kept the team in the national rankings, whereas Northwestern State’s offense—anchored by a dynamic quarterback—has been on a roll in conference play.

In the weeks leading up to the game, the headlines have centered on a few main themes: Cincinnati’s “rebound” after a shaky start to the season, Northwestern State’s confidence in a new offensive scheme, and the potential impact of weather conditions at Paul Brown Stadium. Within this backdrop, Coach Corcoran’s mention of the “bland” food served as a tongue‑in‑cheek reminder that, beyond the on‑field battles, the day’s logistics—especially meals—play a surprisingly critical role in athletes’ performance.

The Coach’s Playbook (and the Food)

When asked by Cincinnati.com reporters about the pre‑game routine, Corcoran explained that the team had been fed by the university’s standard diet plan—a “plain, wholesome” menu designed to keep the athletes’ digestive systems stable. The coach quipped that the meal had been “bland” compared to what some of the players were accustomed to at home. He highlighted the fact that the Bearcats’ diet, which reportedly includes a generous portion of protein and a balance of carbohydrates, was a major factor in their preparation.

Corcoran’s commentary was not meant to undermine Cincinnati’s preparation; rather, it underscored the importance of a steady nutritional foundation that would allow the Demons to focus on the game plan. He stressed that the team’s diet was “consistent, reliable, and supportive,” and that any perceived blandness was simply a by‑product of the strict, sports‑specific meal plan. He further added that the coaches and nutritionists had carefully tailored the meals to provide the right amount of energy for a high‑intensity game, especially when traveling to Ohio for the first time in a while.

Game Expectations and Tactical Prep

Corcoran didn’t let the food talk divert from the crux of the discussion—the game itself. The coach revealed that Northwestern State’s strategy for this match would revolve around an aggressive passing attack paired with a disciplined defensive front. The offensive coordinator had been emphasizing short‑to‑mid‑range throws to keep the Bearcats’ defense on its toes, while the defensive scheme would target the opposing wide receivers’ timing and the middle of the field.

In contrast, Coach Tom Arth—Cincinnati’s head coach—planned to lean on a balanced offense that relies on a strong running game to keep the Demons in control of the clock. The coaching staff expressed confidence that their ability to control the tempo and pace of the game would give them an edge.

Corcoran also pointed out that the game would be a test of depth for the Demons, especially in the secondary, where the Bearcats have been effective at forcing turnovers. He hinted that the coaching staff had already identified key match‑ups, such as the matchup between the Bearcats’ top cornerback and the Demons’ star receiver—a play that could tip the balance in either direction.

The Bigger Picture

While the “bland food” joke might appear trivial, it highlights a larger trend in college athletics: the growing emphasis on sports nutrition and how seemingly minor factors can influence a game’s outcome. Coaches are increasingly aware that an athlete’s performance depends on a multitude of elements—from mental preparedness to sleep patterns, from training loads to diet. Thus, Corcoran’s remarks resonate with a broader conversation among sports professionals who understand that the pre‑game environment is as vital as the in‑game playbook.

Moreover, the fact that this topic surfaced in a conversation with a Cincinnati media outlet speaks to the interconnectivity of college sports news. Even a detail as seemingly mundane as food can become a talking point that engages both fan bases. In that sense, the “bland food” remark was a conversation starter—an opportunity for both teams to showcase their off‑field professionalism while acknowledging the very human aspects that shape athletic performance.

What Comes Next

As the two teams gear up for what is expected to be an entertaining clash, fans on both sides will be watching closely to see if the Demons can overcome the perceived nutritional shortfall and out‑score a Bearcats side that has shown a strong defensive resurgence. While the pre‑game meal might have been “bland,” the game itself is expected to be far from dull.

For Coach Corcoran, the upcoming match is a chance to put the Demons’ talent and coaching into the spotlight, prove that their preparation—including nutrition—works, and perhaps inspire a future generation of players who appreciate that a simple lunch or dinner can be a piece of a much larger puzzle. And for the University of Cincinnati, it will be an opportunity to reaffirm its position as a competitive force in the American Athletic Conference by turning the “bland” challenge into a strategic advantage.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: In the world of college football, success is built not just on skill and strategy but also on the small details—whether that’s a well‑planned diet or a bold, bold‑food prediction—making every game a complex tapestry of preparation, execution, and perhaps, humor.