On a unseasonably hot Saturday afternoon in October the Cincinnati Bearcats welcomed in American Athletic Conference foe Tulane Green Wave in for homecoming. The Bearcats being 5-0 coming into the game can become bowl eligible with a homecoming win. Tulane is coming off of an impressive win against Memphis.
During the first quarter the Bearcats struck first with a Cole Smith 28 yard field goal and by the end of the quarter Tulane answered with a 17 yard touchdown pass from Justin McMillian to Darnell Mooney. After a couple battle of 4th down conversions by both teams Mike Warren busted out with a 81 yard touchdown run that was the third longest in UC history to put the Bearcats up 10-7. After a big stop by Cortez Broughton on 4th down Desmond Ridder led the Bearcats down to a touchdown to Kahlil Lewis from 25 yards out to put the home team up 17-7. Tulane answered with a nice kick return that put them in Bearcats territory capped by a 19 yard Darius Bradwell run. Ridder scored on a 28 yard run right before the end of the half to put the Bearcats up 24-14.
At the half Cincinnati outgained Tulane 268 to 161.
Ethan Tucky blocked a Tulane punt that led to another Ridder to Lewis touchdown this time from 15 yards out to put the Bearcats up 30-14 after a missed extra point. First blocked punt since October 25, 2008 by Conner Barwin. Coby Bryant caused a fumble and the next play Warren fumbled after a nice gain to give Tulane the ball back. After a pretty sloppy third quarter Tavion Thomas sealed the game with a 25 yard touchdown run to put the Bearcats up 37-14. In the second half it was a defensive battle on both sides, but the Bearcats were able to make more plays to become bowl eligible.
The Bearcats defense only allowed 266 total yards and amassed 446 total yards. Warren had 123 yards and one touchdown. Ridder went 15-of-25 passing for 174 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and 65 yards and one rushing touchdown. Lewis had three catches for 40 yards and two touchdowns.
Perry Young led the team in tackles with nine. Kimoni Fitz and Ethan Tucky both had one sack.
Now Cincinnati is 6-0 heading into the bye week and they are bowl eligible.
