The Cincinnati Bearcats football team ended the regular season schedule with a road win against the East Carolina Pirates last Friday, 35-13. It seems every time the Bearcats hit the road to Greenville it’s always a battle, but in this one UC was able to make sure the game didn’t come down to a final possession it wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win.
Notes:
- The field goal kicking woes are just flat out sad at this point. UC has to just go for it on fourth down on every play when in field goal range because you can’t trust these kickers it’s not like there missing on purpose they aren’t good unfortunaely.
- Offense was able to get it going in the second quarter erupting for 21 points.
- The defense other than one bad quick touchdown drive allowed played lights out.
- Sauce Gardner finally got action his way for the first time all season and it was business as usual for the star corner. He had eight tackles including returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown.
- Desmond Ridder was outstanding in the first half not so much like the offense in general in the second half. He was 17-of-28 passing for 301 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
- Alec Pierce had a monster stat sheet having eight receptions, 136 yards and a touchdown. Jerome Ford (20 carries, 86 yards and touchdown) and tight end LeonardTaylor (two receptions, 52 yards that went for a 44 yard touchdown reception.)
- Linebacker Darrian Beavers got his first career interception late in the fourth quarter.
The victory gives UC a second straight undefeated season going 12-0 for the first time since 2009. It’s now time for the American Athletic Conference Championship this Saturday as the Cats host the Houston Coguars at Nippert Stadium at 4 pm on ABC. The Cougs come into this game winners of 11 straight games since their opener lost to Texas Tech. This game will be a battle and it’s hands down the biggest home game at Nippert, ever.
A win and the hopes of a College Football Playoff berth will rise even more assuming the Bearcats take care of business and also gets some help on the way so that fans won’t be sweating it on Selection Sunday.
