The No.20/21 Cincinnati Bearcats traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to face American Athletic Conference foe Temple Owls. The Bearcats came into the game undefeated and fresh off of a bye.
Early turnovers didn’t help the Bearcats cause to stay undefeated. After being down 10-0 the Bearcats went on a 17-0 run over the next two quarters to take a 17-10 lead. Mike Warren got run started with a 24 yard touchdown run, followed by 44 yard Cole Smith field goal and capped by a 42 yard touchdown run by Charles McClelland. The running game and defense were impressive, but the kicking and passing game didn’t have the other units backs on Saturday. Smith missed three field goals and Desmond Ridder only went 14-of-33 passing for 111 yards and an interception. This wasn’t the best game for Smith and Ridder to say the least, but the defense played well enough to steal a valuable road game.
Just a truck driver cruising to the end zone.#Bearcats pic.twitter.com/8tNRXm9dB7
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) October 20, 2018
Take another look at McClelland’s touchdown!
What a run by @DuPontQc3!#Bearcats pic.twitter.com/IONrTwAjNG
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) October 20, 2018
Cornerbacks Tyrell Gilbert and Coby Bryant had back to back interceptions in the 4th quarter to seemingly ice the game for the Bearcats, but both drives they couldn’t get a first down yet keeping Temple alive and putting more pressure on the overworked defense. Temple ended up scoring on a 20 yard touchdown from Anthony Russo to Branden Mack with 49 seconds left in the 4th quarter.
In overtime on 3rd and 10 Russo hit Isaiah Wright for a 25 yard touchdown to take lead. In the following drive after a Warren run, redshirt freshman center Jakari Robinson snapped it early causing a big loss on the play, then the next play Dino Boyd got a personal foul to push then back further and the play after that Ridder threw a game sealing interception.
The defense only allowed 317 total yards, they caused three turnovers and held them to 4-of-17 on third down. In the second quarter Michael Pitts was ejected for a targeting foul. Bryant had two interceptions. James Wiggins had 10 tackles and one pass break up.
Warren had 25 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown. McClelland had four carries for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Undefeated no more, but the Bearcats are still 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the AAC East they will face SMU on the road next Saturday they have to get back on the right side of the winning circle. All is not lost #BearcatNation they just have to turn the page and get better.
