The Cincinnati Bearcats (2-6, 0-5 Big 12) welcomed in longtime rival Central Florida (3-5, 0-5 Big 12) to Nippert Stadium as both the Knights and Bearcats search for their first ever Big 12 victory. However, the Knights are riding a five-game losing streak, while the Bearcats currently ride a six-game skid.
The last time these two teams faced off the Knights came away victorious after a last second comeback to defeat the Bearcats 25-21 in Orlando at the bounce house despite a late touchdown from Ryan Montgomery looked to seal the deal for the Bearcats in the final minutes. The Knights were led by John Rhys Plumlee and RJ Harvey who are both returning for the Knights this season and expected to be a key contributor to this contest this afternoon.
However, can the Bearcats hold off the high-powered UCF offense as John Rhys Plumlee is back after missing time with a knee injury earlier this season. Plumlee, a true dual threat quarterback is someone who can affect this game in many ways, especially with how the Bearcats defense has played at times this season. “He’s as talented as anyone we have played, “Scott Satterfield said. “He was one of the fastest players during his time at Ole Miss, and probably one of the fastest players at Central Florida. I have heard reports that he has ran a 4.3 forty-yard dash. He did miss time with an injury, but he’s back with a knee brace and that hasn’t slown him down any. He’s really quick, he’s a playmaker who is very confident in throwing the football. He’s an excellent player, he is one of the best dual threats in the country.”
Final Stats- The Bearcats outgained the Knights 515-391 and fall for the seventh straight game. However, the Bearcats rushing attack was the highlight of this one as the duo of Ryan Montgomery (eight carries, 113 yards and a touchdown) and Corey Kiner (13 carries, 93 yards and a touchdown) were the strong suits of the offense this afternoon. The Bearcats have now had a pair of running backs go over 100 yards in consecutive games.
Deshawn Pace anchored the defense as he finished with a team high seven tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Pace, was just all over the place this afternoon for the Bearcats and was a key piece to the defense especially with the ejection of Bryon Threats.
The Bearcats just had no way to contain RJ Harvey as he finished with 164 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries for the Knights. It seemed like every time Harvey had the ball in his hands, the chains were moving for the Knights, and the stats back that up as well after averaging nearly 10 yards per carry.
