University of Cincinnati junior defensive back Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner has been named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the top defensive player in the country.

Gardner, who has epitomized the BlackCats defense the last three seasons, has yet to allow a touchdown in his career, spanning more than 900 coverage snaps. Opponents have a 19.5 passer rating on 20 targets against him (lowest in the nation). The Detroit native has 20 tackles, two interceptions and two pass break-ups this year. In the Bearcats' 24-13 win over No. 9 Notre Dame, he allowed just two catches (nine yards) with an interception over three targets in 51 coverage snaps.

UC boasts the nation's top pass-efficiency defense (88.45) and opponent completion percentage (50.8 percent), while ranking second in interceptions (14), yards-per-pass-attempt (5.22) and TDs allowed (four).

Gardner, a First-Team All-American last season, joins a stacked list of Bearcats earning award semifinalist nods this season. He and Coby Bryant are two of 12 with the Jim Thorpe Award. Desmond Ridder has been recognized by the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien Awards, as well as Darrian Beavers (Butkus) and Luke Fickell (Dodd Trophy).

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Cincinnati hosts Tulsa Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ESPN's College Gameday is coming to Cincinnati for the first time in the show's history. The game will be aired on ESPN2.