The No. 2 Cincinnati Bearcats traveled to Annapolis, Maryland to face the Navy Midshipmen. Cincinnati came into the game 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the AAC would they be able to keep that undefeated season alive?
Cincinnati didn’t get off to a fast start on offense going three and out on their first two drives. Navy struck first taking a 7-0 lead, but Desmond Ridder hit Josh Whyle for a 31 yard touchdown to tie the game at 7. Navy’s Bijan Nichols hit a 33 yard field goal to give them the lead, but Cincinnati tied it with a 32 yard Christian Lowery field goal. Deshawn Pace blocked a 51 yard field goal attempt which turned into a 52 yard make by Alex Bales. Even with how rough the first half went Cincinnati went into halftime with a 13-10 lead.
In the second half Jerome Ford joined the party taking one to the house from 43 yards out to give Cincinnati a 20-10 lead. The defense got the ball back to the offense and Ridder hit Whyle for their second touchdown of the day from 3 yards out to push the lead to 27-10. Cincinnati went on a 17-0 run to give them so distance, but Navy didn’t fold as they went on a 10-0 run behind a 27 yard Nichols field goal and a 1 yard Tai Lavatai touchdown. Navy got the onside kick, but Arquon Bush intercepted Lavatai to seal the 27-20 victory.
Navy controlled the clock 39:27 to Cincinnati’s 20:33 and outgained them 308 to 271. Ridder went 18-of-30 passing for 176 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Ford had 15 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. Whyle had four catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Joel Dublanko had 15 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Darrian Beavers had 14 tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss. Curtis Brooks had 10 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss.
.@GoBearcatsFB remains undefeated as they fought off a late Navy rally to secure a 27-20 victory. #AmericanPow6r pic.twitter.com/5gROs4iEaQ
— The American (@American_Conf) October 23, 2021
Now 7-0 overall and 3-0 in the AAC. Next week they will head to New Orleans to take on Tulane.
