Cincinnati did just enough to hold on and win over Boston College Saturday afternoon in Nippert Stadium. Despite a lackluster passing performance, the Bearcats eclipsed 200 yards behind 6 different ‘Cats getting a carry. The Cincinnati defense was the clear star of the show. Fittingly, the defense sealed the game with an INT by way of MJ Cannon in the secondary.
Cincinnati opened the game with a 3-0 lead after forcing a 3 and out on BC’s first drive. UC’s defense had another stop and UC punted towards the end of the 1st quarter. BC was unable to capitalize, punting again on their 3rd drive. UC capitalized here and took the ball 80 yards down the field for a TD to make it 10-0. After that, both teams punted and then BC missed a field goal. However, there was controversy here as the missed field goal came after a controversial catch/no catch was reviewed and went in the Bearcats favor. This took us to the end of the half.
The third quarter was started with a 10 play, 75 yard TD drive capped by a JC French rushing touchdown. BC then fumbled on their possession and UC took it 7 plays, 55 yards and another French rushing TD. BC finally got on the board with 3:23 remaining in the 3rd with a TD and the two point conversion. UC then went three and out on the next possession.
The Eagles had the ball to end the 3rd and start the fourth in a drive that went 15 plays, 84 yards, and 6:26 of game time. However, they were unable to punch it in, turning the ball over on downs inside their 10 yard line. UC was unable to capitalize, punting on the ensuing possession. BC then was unable to do anything, going for it on 4th down again and failing. UC was able to extend the lead the next possession with a field goal, making it 27-8. The aforementioned Cannon INT led to a 3rd JC French rushing TD. BC was able to score with 0:56 remaining in the game to make it 34-15 final.
Quick Takeaways
The offense needs a spark in the passing game. JC French was brought in as a highly touted passer who set records at Georgia Southern. Boston College is not an elite team, and a total of 77 passing yards on 14 attempts from QB 1 isn’t enough. However, much of that was offset by 14 carries for 108 yards from Payne out of the backfield, leading the way on a potent rushing attack that averaged 5.8 yards per carry and 255 yards total on 41 attempts.
The Defense made the Eagles life miserable, totaling 4 sacks, 1 INT and 1 Fumble. Peek and Thompson led the way with 8 tackles each, while Coleman and Beeler had 6 a piece.
Noah will be back with deeper analysis and takeaways as we head towards next week’s Nip at Night vs. Western Carolina!