Written by: Carter Frimming
(Cover image via Michael C. Johnson/Imagn Images)
LUBBOCK, Texas – In just their 2nd ever matchup, the Red Raiders narrowly top the Cincinnati Bearcats in a 44-41 victory.
This game started off Cincinnati’s way, with 14 points scored in the first quarter thanks to touchdowns from Tony Johnson and Xzavier Henderson. Unfortunately, the Bearcats would be unable to hold on to this lead, thanks to one of the best running backs in the country, Tahj Brooks. Brooks had no issue finding holes in the Cincinnati defense, running 47 yards in just the first quarter.
A nightmare scenario had played out for Cincinnati in this game, losing both first-string RB Corey Kiner in the first quarter and second-string RB Evan Pryor in the third quarter, significantly hindering Cincinnati’s run game.
With the game tied at the end of the first half, Cincinnati would begin the second half with possession of the football. Unlike the first half, however, Cincinnati would begin with far less success. On their first drive of the third quarter, RB Evan Pryor fumbled the football on the Cincinnati 38-yard line; Texas Tech would ultimately drive the ball back for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, with a tight lead of 7; Texas Tech’s A.J. McCarty would pick off Brendan Sorsby’s pass and take it all the way back for a pick-six, an error that would prove costly to the Cats.
To their credit, Sorsby and company did their best to turn the game around. Sorsby took just two downs to create a touchdown, with Manny Covey going 71 yards in just 35 seconds to pull the Bearcats within 3.
Arguably, the most controversial moment of the game would come on the Bearcats’ last chance: what was seemingly a late hit on Bearcats QB Brendan Sorsby, who’d given himself up on a slide, a penalty which evidently was misunderstood. The referees would look at the play to determine whether this hit was targeting; however, coach Satterfield wanted an unnecessary roughness call. Regardless, the call was overturned and there was no foul, which meant that Bearcats kicker Nathan Hawks would have to step up to the role for a 51-yard field goal. Unfortunately, Hawks would miss just right of the uprights and the Red Raiders were victorious.
As far as the Bearcats offense is concerned, this game was a total success. Sorsby went 31/45 (68%) on 426 passing yards and 4 TDs, along with 52 rushing yards. RB Evan Pryor put up 56 yards with a TD before leaving the game due to injury in the third quarter.
Cincinnati’s defense knew this week would be tough, thanks to the one-two punch of QB Behren Morton and RB Tahj Brooks. Morton went 19/29 (65%) with 251 yards and 1 TD, while Tahj Brook put up a whopping 172 yards and 2 TDs.
Looking forward to their next game, Cincinnati looks to take down the 7th-place team in the BIG 12, UCF. Cincinnati’s number one focus going into that matchup with UCF is likely making sure that Kiner and Pryor are rested and healthy. Their status is unknown as of now, so we wish them a speedy recovery and hope it’s nothing serious!
The Bearcats’ next game is in Orlando against UCF on October, 5th.
BIG 12 STANDINGS (AS OF 9/29):
1. BYU Cougars: 5-0 (2-0)
2. Colorado Buffaloes: 4-1 (2-0)
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders: 4-1 (2-0)
4. Iowa State Cyclones: 4-0 (1-0)
5. Arizona Wildcats: 3-1 (1-0)
6. West Virginia Mountaineers: 2-2 (1-0)
7. UCF Knights: 3-1 (1-1)
8. Kansas State Wildcats: 4-1 (1-1)
14. Baylor Bears: 2-3 (0-2)
15. Houston Cougars: 1-4 (0-2)
16. Kansas Jayhawks: 1-4 (0-2)
(Stats via ESPN)
