The Cincinnati Bearcats celebrated a triumphant moment as they clinched their first Big 12 win with a convincing 24-14 victory over Houston on a Saturday night showdown. Corey Kiner played a pivotal role, rushing for an impressive 129 yards and contributing two crucial touchdowns, while the Bearcats collectively amassed 204 rushing yards.
Emory Jones showcased his quarterback prowess, throwing for 131 yards and connecting for a touchdown with Ryan Montgomery in the opening quarter. This victory proved to be a turning point for Cincinnati, breaking a seven-game losing streak and instilling newfound confidence in the team.
In a first-half highlight, Kiner powered through with a 1-yard touchdown run, securing a 14-7 lead for Cincinnati with eight minutes remaining in the second quarter. The Bearcats maintained their momentum as Kiner added another 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 24-7.
The offensive prowess of the Bearcats was evident as they accumulated a total of 368 yards, effectively outplaying Houston, which managed only 241 yards. Donovan Smith, Houston's quarterback, faced a challenging night, completing 16 of 28 passes for 102 yards, along with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Smith also contributed 88 rushing yards on 13 carries, with both touchdown passes finding the hands of Joseph Manjack IV.
For Cincinnati, the defensive strategy proved successful, pressuring Smith consistently throughout the game and concluding with an impressive four tackles for loss. The Bearcats showcased their discipline with only two penalties for eight yards and a commendable 7-for-13 performance on third downs.
On the other hand, Houston faced a setback in their quest for bowl eligibility with this loss. The Cougars finished 6 for 13 on third downs and had 10 tackles for loss, including four sacks. Despite the challenges, the team demonstrated resilience in various aspects of the game.
Looking ahead, Cincinnati's victory sets the stage for an exciting matchup as they prepare to face West Virginia in their upcoming game. Meanwhile, Houston aims to bounce back as they host Oklahoma State in their next encounter. The Bearcats' historic win marks a significant milestone in their Big 12 journey, injecting renewed energy and optimism into the team as they continue their football campaign.
Cover Photo: Shelby Frieszell/Undrafted
