"Act like you've been there before" is a football quote attributed to Vince Lombardi, Bear Bryant and Cincinnati Bengals founder Paul Brown.
It was meant to tell a player not to make a big deal out of scoring a touchdown or making a big play.
In 2026, the game has become more demonstrative. In addition to touchdowns and field goals, defensive plays, particularly turnovers, have become a reason to celebrate
.As such, we have seen the Miami Hurricanes make the "turnover chain" famous. Following suit, Boise State has a "turnover throne" for the successful player, Tulane wears "turnover beads", Oregon State has a "turnover chainsaw," and Alabama straps on a professional wrestling-type belt.
How does Cincinnati Bearcats defense celebrate turnovers?
UC head coach Scott Satterfield says new defensive coordinator
Nate Woody carries an axe around the Sheakley Indoor Performance Facility. He had it at Appalachian State with Satterfield and most recently at Army. It is a broadaxe with a wide blade.
Woody doesn't claim the idea; it originates with the late Bobby Knight's theories on basketball defense.
After a meeting with Notre Dame's defensive staff years ago, then coached by Lou Holtz, Woody was in the airport reading an article that quoted Knight.
"Defense is a demanding taskmaster," Woody said of Knight's quote. "To be played well, it causes one to give of himself fully. Sweat and effort are its trademarks, and when forcefully applied, it's as blunt an instrument as an ancient broadaxe."
Woody liked the message, but felt it fit his football players better. Thus, Woody's players raise the axe when taking the ball from the opposition.
"It's something swift, powerful and lethal," Woody said. "The kids love it, they have a lot of fun with it. When they make some turnovers and takeaways, it's always good to have something that they get to celebrate with."
Against Boston College, Woody's troops sacked the quarterback four times, had one interception (with one called back), two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, eight tackles for loss, five pass breakups and six quarterback hurries.
Woody's goal for UC is seven turnovers per game and he includes "three-and-outs" as he believes that helps UC's offense get back on the field. If the team reaches seven, he feels the Bearcats will win.
UC defensive coordinator Nate Woody on Western Carolina
UC had to chase the mobile Mason McKenzie of Boston College in the first game and believes it will be more of the same against Western Carolina quarterback Lex Thomas. Thomas is 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds and leads the Catamounts in rushing with 96 yards, but has also thrown for 646 yards and five touchdowns in two games with no interceptions.
"He's really good with the ball," Woody said. "If we beat these guys, it's a good thing. They've got good speed and athleticism."
Who carries out Bearcats broadaxe each game?
The honor goes to the UC player who wins the right in practice during the week. Woody likes to have a spirited practice and the player who best demonstrates that gets to bring the Bearcat blade onto the field.
"We need a sponsor," Satterfield said. "The broadaxe is his thing; he's been doing that for years. We can break it down every day. It's a symbol for how we want to play on defense."
On offense, UC Bearcats receivers hope to see footballs in air
Isaiah Johnson can vouch for Woody's concerns with Western Carolina's air attack. In 2024, he caught 24 passes for the Catamounts for 303 yards and five touchdowns before coming to UC last season. In 2025, Johnson had 14 catches for 222 yards and three touchdowns.
"We didn't throw it as much as the receiver group would do, but we're just here to do whatever the team needs to win at the end of the day," Johnson said.
Though players don't like the long wait to play a night game at Nippert, (Bearcats) are primarily nocturnal. The players and students tend to share the characteristic.
"I definitely like the night game vibes more," Johnson said. "When you're trying to lock in, you can hear the crowd getting rowdy. The locker room starts shaking and it definitely helps amp you up for the game. We definitely have to defend the Nipp. We're not losing any home games. That's one thing we won't stand for."
Said Satterfield. "A little 'Nipp at night' this weekend. We're pumped. Hope to see everybody."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Nate Woody has axe to grind
