Bearcats overcome 28-7 deficit, retain Victory Bell down RedHawks 35-31

Cincinnati improved to 3-0 on Saturday following their 35-31 victory over Miami at TQL Stadium. 

This is the first time Cincinnati started a season 3-0 under head coach Scott Satterfield, and first time since 2021. 

“A tale of two halves.” Scott Satterfield told reporters. “What a game. In the second half our guys came out and executed. We didn't do anything good in the first half. We went out with a purpose and plan in the second half. We knew we had to be aggressive. The pick by Kenny was a huge turning point for us. Our guys were fresh in the 4th quarter; Cole Tabb's run was an example of that. For us to go out and win this Rivalry was incredible. The atmosphere at TQL was amazing. You have to give Miami credit though. Most importantly, give our guys credit for how they finished.” 

Cincinnati quarterback JC French finished the day 31-43 for 309 yards and two touchdowns. French also racked up 39 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. 

Cole Tabb led the team in rushing with 78 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries. He also racked up four receptions for 43 yards and a score. 

The Stanford transfer has become a massive spark for Cincinnati over the recent weeks. Despite just 11 carries on the season, he has racked up 109 yards and three touchdowns to start the year. Meanwhile, Tabb is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry in limited opportunities this season, but has continued to make an immediate impact when his number is called. 

The Bearcats defense was anchored by Antwan Peek Junior who led the team with nine tackles, sack, tackle for loss, and force fumble. 

Meanwhile, his counterpart and batterymate Jonathan Thompson also had a great evening at the pitch, recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, sack and forced fumble.

Josh Hough also had his best performance as a Bearcat in my opinion. The veteran defensive tackle recorded just three tackles. However, he made a huge presence in the trenches especially in the second half. Hough finished with a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass break up on a near interception. 

How it Happened

The Redhawks won the toss and elected to receive the game's opening kickoff where freshman wide receiver Scoop Smith returned it 98-yards to the house. The freshman wide receiver faked the handoff on the return and just like that, it was off to the races and Miami took an early 7-0 lead. 

The Bearcats offense went three and out and the Redhawks made them pay. David McComb connected with wide receiver Damarion Witten for a 34-yard gain on the first play of the drive. The Redhawks wasted no time marching down the field as they gashed the Bearcats defense on their opening drive. Miami went on to score three plays later to take a 14-0 lead following a 12 yard touchdown run from Larenzo Rogers. 

Cincinnati’s offense responded with a 10 play, 75-yard touchdown drive. A drive that was set up by a 29-yard gain to tight end Gavin Grover down the left sideline. The next play, JC French connected with running back Cole Tabb on the wheel route for a 16-yard gain before punching it in the ensuing play. 

At that moment, Cincinnati trailed Miami 14-7 with 6:07 remaining in the first quarter. 

Miami then marched down the field on a 10 play, 91 drive resulting in a six-yard touchdown run from quarterback David McComb. Miami overcame a 2nd-23 following three straight false start penalties after McComb connected with Witten for a chunk gain. 

Cincinnati was now in the danger zone as Miami controlled a 21-7 lead over Cincinnati with 5:52 left in the second quarter. 

Miami continued to pour it on the Bearcats following the missed field goal from Stephen Rusnak. The RedHawks successfully operated the two-minute drill after McComb connected with Maleek Huggins for a 36-yard touchdown. 

Chuck Martin and the RedHawks took a 28-7 lead into the half as the Redhawks simply dominated the Bearcats in every facet of this one. 

The Bearcats offense stalled on the first drive of the second half after failing to convert on 4th and three. However, the Bearcats defense took care of business after a blocked field goal secured the Bearcats a defensive stop. 

The Bearcats marched down the field for a touchdown after French scampered in for the score. All courtesy of the missed field goal in a way as the Redhawks lead was cut to fourteen, with 7:27 left to play in the third quarter. 

Cincinnati intercepted David McComb on the ensuing drive after a diving snag from cornerback Kenny Worth secured the game's first turnover. 

French and the Bearcats offense took over at the Redhawk 31 following the interception. French led the Bearcats on an eight-play drive that resulted in an eight-yard touchdown reception from running back Cole Tabb. 

Cincinnati, with 14 unanswered points and in a matter of minutes, Miami’s 21 point lead quickly diminished. Cincinnati now trailed 28-21 with 2:44 remaining in the third quarter. 

Miami responded with a huge 41 yard gain to Maleek Huggins, which was followed by a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty. Miami was then in the red zone within two plays. However, the Bearcats defense stood tall with three stops all inside the five to keep Miami from opening this one back up. 

Chuck Martin opted to settle for a field goal instead of going for it on 4th-1 from the one-yard line. Miami connected and took a 31-21 lead with 14:55 to play. 

The Bearcats were driving with hopes of making this a one score game. That was until Grant Lyons got by Joe Cotton on the left side and forced the strip sack on JC French. Miami recovered at the Bearcats 41. 

Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s defense stood tall, as Miami would have to settle for a 45-yard field goal that would eventually miss wide right. 

Cincinnati capitalized off the miss as French marched down the field and connected with Gibson for a five-yard score.

Miami’s lead was cut to three with 6:20 to play, as the RedHawks led 31-28. 

Cincinnati got a huge defensive stand, as Cincinnati now had the opportunity to go downfield with a chance to win. They had just 3:55 to march down the field, but instead they only needed 2:17 after Cole Tabb broke loose for a 53-yard score. 

That gave Miami just 1:29 to go march the distance with no timeouts. However, as they approached Bearcat territory, the drive came to an end. Cincinnati’s own

Antwan Peek junior came through with the hammer and created the fumble and was recovered by the Bearcats to seal the game. 

Up Next

The Bearcats will return to Nippert Stadium on Saturday as they welcome in Kansas State to kick off Big 12 play. 

Kickoff is slated for 7pm on ESPN2.