The Cincinnati Bearcats were invited to the Northrup Grumman Military Bowl to face the Virginia Tech Hokies. They traveled to Annapolis, Maryland to track down their 11th win of the season. This season has already been a success, but to finish with a bowl win would be the icing on the double layered cake.
The Bearcats had the offense rolling in the first quarter scoring on a 38 yard pass from Desmond Ridder to Charles McClelland. With the game tied at 7 with 2:22 minutes left in the first quarter Ridder’s ankle was rolled up on and he limped to the sideline the redshirt freshman came back to the sideline in a walking boot on his right foot. Senior quarterback Hayden Moore came into the game to lead them to a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. Mike Warren has been good, but he has fumbled twice in the rainy weather as well as Tavion Thomas the good thing is the Bearcats have recovered each fumble. The Hokies scored on a one yard run by Steven Peoples. A masterful timeout by Luke Fickell aided a 41 yard field goal miss by Brian Johnson. They went into the half tied at 14.
The Hokies struck first with a field goal, but it was answered by 40 yard touchdown run by Warren. It was Warren’s 18th rushing touchdown which is a school record. After the defense forced a punt, two drops in a row by Deguara and Warren stalled a promising drive. Both drops were going to be positive plays. The Hokies drove the field after finding a matchup with Eric Kumah on Cam Jeffries. Scoring on a two yard pass to Chris Cunningham from Ryan Willis. Moore answered with a 19 yard run to give the Bearcats a 28-24 lead. Senior cornerback Tyrell Gilbert got called for a targeting call on a drive that the Hokies scored on a five yard run by Willis to give them a 31-28 lead in then fourth quarter. The next series Moore throws an interception and all seemed lost, but the defense held up on 4th and one to get a sack fumble by Malik Clements it was recovered by Bryan Wright. The offense stalled, but the defense held again and this time the feet of Warren gave the Bearcats a lead they wouldn’t let go with 1:29 left from eight yards out. Safety James Wiggins sealed the game with an interception and the 11th win of the season was sealed 35-31.
This game was a cliff note of the Bearcats season. They finish the season 11-2 with the most wins since 2009. Warren was named the Military Bowl MVP. He finished 20 rushes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Micheal Warren receives @MilitaryBowl MVP Award. Congrats @GoBearcatsFB and @CoachFick Great Game !!!!! pic.twitter.com/6ULfDApBq0
— Jim Kelly (@jimkelly7) December 31, 2018
Clements finished the game with 15 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
The defense allowed 443 total yards and 6-of-14 on third down, but they made all the plays they needed to give the offense a shot.
Moore finished 11-of-25 for 120 yards an interception and nine rushes for 64 yards and a touchdown.
They lost Ridder and Kahlil Lewis for the game due to injury and Gilbert due to targeting. Trent Cloud came up huge with three catches for 35 yards.
Season over, but wasn’t it a fun ride?
