Cincinnati returned to Nippert Stadium after months on the road, donning their all-red uniforms to face off against Arizona State in a highly anticipated homecoming matchup. The Sun Devils, dressed in maroon helmets and white jerseys, faced a Bearcats team eager to prove themselves in front of their home crowd. With several key players, including offensive lineman Dartanyan Tinsley and defensive lineman Cam Roetherford, back from injury, Cincinnati looked to regain momentum. Arizona State, on the other hand, was forced to start veteran quarterback Jeff Sims after losing starter Sam Leavitt to injury.
The Sun Devils won the toss, deferring to the second half and giving Cincinnati the ball to start the game. Cincinnati's first drive didn’t go as planned, with the Sun Devils’ defense coming out strong and stuffing running back Corey Kiner. After a quick three-and-out, Arizona State quickly capitalized, leaning heavily on running back Cam Skattebo, who capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, putting the Sun Devils up 7-0 early.
Cincinnati's offense found its rhythm on the next possession. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby connected with wide receiver Jamoi Mayes on a 16-yard pass, but a deep throw intended for Xzavier Henderson was intercepted by Arizona State’s Keith Abney. On the ensuing drive, Cincinnati’s defense responded, with safety Antwan Peek Jr. forcing a fumble that gave the Bearcats the ball deep in Arizona State territory. Sorsby wasted no time, taking a speed option into the end zone to tie the game at 7-7.
The Bearcats' defense continued to show its strength, halting Arizona State on a critical 4th-and-3 after linebacker Jake Golday stuffed Skattebo for a loss. Sorsby then led Cincinnati down the field, setting up a 46-yard field goal by Nathan Hawks to give the Bearcats a 10-7 lead. Cincinnati’s defense remained dominant, with defensive lineman Jared Bartlett recording a crucial sack to stop the Sun Devils’ next drive.
Just before halftime, Sorsby and running back Evan Pryor extended the Bearcats' lead. Pryor broke free on a 55-yard touchdown run, giving Cincinnati a commanding 24-7 advantage. Arizona State struggled to gain traction before the half, and a missed 41-yard field goal attempt by Hawks left the Bearcats leading comfortably.
In the second half, Arizona State tried to mount a comeback. After a slow start, the Sun Devils put together a methodical drive, leaning on Skattebo and running back Kyson Brown to push the ball downfield. Skattebo found the end zone once again, narrowing the score to 24-14. However, Cincinnati's defense refused to break, with players like Golday and Bartlett making timely tackles to prevent further scoring.
Cincinnati's offense cooled off in the second half, but they continued to lean on Corey Kiner, who finished with 99 yards on 22 carries. Sorsby showed poise, managing the game well despite a few setbacks, and kept the Bearcats in control. Arizona State had one last chance to score and make the game interesting, but missed a crucial 47-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter, sealing the win for Cincinnati.
While Cincinnati didn't score in the second half, their early dominance and defensive resilience allowed them to secure a 24-14 homecoming victory. It was a gritty performance by the Bearcats, who will look to build on this win as they continue their season.
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