On one of the most picturesque Cincinnati Saturdays in recent memory, Luke Fickell’s University of Cincinnati Bearcats eviscerated the Central Florida Golden Knights, 56-21, in front of a sold out Nippert Stadium. The crisp autumn air, blue sky, red-clad capacity crowd, and, of course, ascendant intercollegiate football team all combined to make October 16th a Saturday worth remembering for Bearcats fans.
Alabama transfer portal gem RB Jerome Ford ran wild against the impussiant Central Florida defense, racking up 189 yards on the ground. Ford (who runs more like a Ferrari) scored four touchdowns in the first half alone. As one commentator observed late in the second quarter, the Bearcats had accumulated 35 points while the Central Florida Knights had only tallied 29 yards of total offense.
For those statistically inclined, a quick dashboard of the game’s final statistics:
The Bearcats’ defense was particularly stout much of the game, as Coordinator Mike Tressel’s unit bullied the hobbled Central Florida offense. Arguably the best cornerback tandem in the nation, Coby Bryant recorded the first interception-returned-for-a-touchdown of his collegiate career while projected first rounder Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner dazzled with some physical stops.
Though the game was largely decided by halftime, the Bearcat faithful remained until the final whistle. Fans (and members of the media) buzzed about the 3rd ranked Bearcats climbing even higher in the CFB rankings and the prospect of receiving an invitation to play for the national championship trophy, which was on display inside Nippert Stadium on Saturday.
In the event you were unable make it, some pictures for your viewing pleasure:
Following their lopsided victory over the Central Florida Knights — and 2nd ranked Iowa tanking at home against Purdue — the University of Cincinnati Bearcats are now ranked #2 (Associated Press). Up next, Coach Fickell and company will hit the road to face Navy in Annapolis, Maryland next Saturday.
By Brian Fox
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