The Cincinnati Bearcats football team went down to Tampa, Florida to take on the USF Bulls and they were able to come out of it with a 45-28 victory although it was ugly at times you take the wins at this point the season as the Bearcats are playing for a lot.
Notes:
- The passing game and the offense overall was much better than it has been over the last three previous games.
- Desmond Ridder broke Dino Guidugli touchdown passes record with 79. This was one of Des’ best games this season going 31-of-39 passing for 304 yards, two touchdowns (one rushing) and an interception.
- Running back Jerome Ford did not play due to an ankle injury so Ryan Montgomery, Charles McClelland, Ethan Wright and Ridder carried the load of the running game. As a team, they rushed for 202 yards so that was great to see and a confidence booster.
- Josh Whyle had a game with five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown reception. Tre Tucker had a touchdown reception of his own as well.
- Overall the offense did leave some points out there, but it was a positive sign to see them moving the ball and cashing it in when they get to the red zone.
- The defense was great in the first half and then with a healthy 31-7 lead they started the relax a bit and allowed USF to crawl back in the game. You can’t do that if you are trying to put up the “style points.”
- Turnovers continue to be an issue lately in this game UC had three, but USF had four so it could have been a different story if the Bulls capitalized on them, but overall the Bearcats weren’t in great danger of losing this game.
The next game for the Bearcats is this Saturday as it’s Senior Day at Nippert Stadium and the high-power offense of the 8-2 SMU Mustangs comes into town. The kickoff is at 3:30 pm on ESPN. There will be lots of fireworks for the tilt and it will be a four-quarter game.
