The Bearcats (2-0) hosted the Miami RedHawks (1-1) for the 127th annual Battle of the Victory Bell. The Bearcats entered this one 60-59-7 all-time vs the RedHawks as they are on a 16 game win streak vs their crosstown rivals, as the RedHawks last victory over the Bearcats came back in 2005.
Note: Cornerback Sammy Anderson, Jr. missed his second straight game, but did warm up before the start of this one.
Miami would strike first on the opening play of the game after redshirt junior quarterback Brett Gabbert would connect with speedy wide receiver Gage Larvadain for a 79 yard touchdown. Larvadain entered today as the nation’s leading receiver following his career day vs UMass after hauling in eight receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns in the RedHawks 41-28 victory. Not the start you wanted defensively for the Bearcats as Larvadain snuck behind Justin Harris on the outside and was off to the races giving the RedHawks and early 7-0 lead with 14:45 remaining in the first quarter.
The Bearcats would respond right back with a six play, 75 yard touchdown drive, set up by two long catch and runs by tight end Payton Singletary (32 yards) and wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (22 yards). The Bearcats would tie this one up at 7 with 11:47 remaining in the first quarter following a four-yard touchdown run by Corey Kiner.
The Bearcats defense would strike early as Bryon Threats would intercept Brett Gabbert on the RedHawks second play of the game, setting the Bearcats up deep in RedHawks territory following a huge 33-yard return. However, the RedHawks defense prevailed after stopping the Bearcats on 4th-1. The Bearcats brought in Dontay Corleone and Jowon Briggs as extra blockers, but the RedHawks stood tall to keep this a 10-7 game.
However, the RedHawks would wear the Bearcats defense down following a 12-play drive that was capped off by a 17-yard touchdown reception by Javon Tracy. The RedHawks marched 69 yards, milking nearly seven minutes off the clock as they would take a 14-10 lead with 9:22 remaining in the second quarter. After Brown, knocked down a 23 yard field goal, they made the score 14-13. Jones missed Dee Wiggins on a go route that would’ve been an easy six and the next play he threw an interception to Corbin Hondru. The next play Taj Ward forced a fumble that Dorian Jones recovered and it led the Bearcats into halftime down 1.
The home team was able to strike first in the third quarter with a 23 yard field goal by Brown to give the Bearcats a 16-14 lead. Brett Gabbert got hurt after a 19 yard run when he was hit at the 1 yard line, Aveon Smith replaced him. Kevin Davis scored on a 1 yard run to give the RedHawks a 21-16 led with 3:01 left in the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter Jones rushed for a 17 yard touchdown on 3rd and 7, Jones followed up with a nice throw to Chamon Metayer on the 2 point conversion to give the Bearcats a 24-21 lead. Threats had a huge sack on third down to force a RedHawks punt. After a nice Braden Smith 37 yard catch the Bearcats had to punt, Mason Fletcher was able to pin the RedHawks at their 9 yard line. Gabbert attacked Jordan Young twice in a row in one on one coverage, the first play was a pass interference that Young had solid position, but was early and the second play Miles Marshall beat him for a 38 yard play to get a first down. Harris had another pass interference on the drive when he had good position as well. The next play Gabbert hit Javon Tracy for a 23 yard dime to get inside the redzone. Ward made a great play to force a RedHawks field goal made by Graham Nicholson to tie the game at 24 with 5:10 left. Late in the fourth quarter Satterfield rolled the dice on a fake punt that Meyater secured a first down. The Bearcats went on to grind down to the red zone, with less than 15 seconds left where Carter Brown’s 35 yard field goal was blocked and forced overtime.
In overtime Gabbert had a nice run followed by an 8 yard touchdown pass to Joe Wilkins, Jr. to give them a 31-24 lead. The Bearcats were able to get down to the 2 yard line, but after a few penalties here and there Jones ultimately threw an interception on fourth down to Yahsyn McKee to ice the game. Now, 2-1 overall the Bearcats lose to the RedHawks for the first time in 18 years and the 16 game winning streak is broken.
Even though they out gained Miami 538 to 360, red zone struggle ultimately bit them in the back side. Next week they will start their Big 12 slate with Oklahoma at 12 pm at Nippert Stadium.
