In a nail-biting American Conference Championship game that came down to the final seconds, No. 6 Cincinnati emerged victorious, clinching a 27-24 win over No. 20 Tulsa on a rain-soaked Saturday night. The game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with Cole Smith sealing the Bearcats' triumph with a 34-yard field goal as time expired.
Alec Pierce stole the spotlight for Cincinnati, amassing a career-high 146 yards receiving on five catches. Quarterback Desmond Ridder played a pivotal role, passing for 269 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score to his impressive performance. Running back Jerome Ford contributed a crucial 42-yard scoring run, solidifying the Bearcats' undefeated record at 9-0 (No. 9 CFP).
Tulsa, in their first appearance in the AAC title game after three consecutive losing seasons, fought valiantly. Quarterback Zach Smith connected with JuanCarlos Santana for a game-tying 13-yard touchdown pass with just 3:41 left on the clock. However, a costly defensive mistake on fourth-and-2, where the Golden Hurricane jumped offside, handed Cincinnati a crucial first down at the 19-yard line. This blunder set the stage for Cole Smith's game-winning field goal.
The Bearcats took an early 7-0 lead with Ford's 42-yard touchdown run following Jarrell White's interception, showcasing the impact of defensive plays. Alec Pierce's acrobatic catches in the first quarter played a significant role in Cincinnati's offensive success, with a one-armed catch setting up the first touchdown and a 45-yard reception leading to a field goal.
Despite Tulsa's efforts, they struggled to contain Pierce, who amassed 126 receiving yards in the first half alone. Pierce's 36-yard touchdown catch contributed to Cincinnati's 17-10 halftime lead, showcasing his athleticism and ability to break through the opposing defense.
The game featured back-and-forth action, with Tulsa tying it at 17 in the third quarter with Deneric Prince's 8-yard touchdown run. However, Desmond Ridder responded with a 10-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Bearcats back in the lead.
The victory for Cincinnati holds particular significance, considering last year's AAC championship game where they lost to Memphis despite holding a one-point lead with four minutes remaining. This year's win is a testament to the team's growth and resilience, overcoming challenges such as a 12-day hiatus due to COVID-19 issues that led to 12 penalties and two lost fumbles, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
Despite the heartbreak for Tulsa, their 16 come-from-behind wins under head coach Philip Montgomery since 2015 highlight their tenacity and ability to compete at a high level. While falling short in the championship game, the Golden Hurricane's remarkable journey this season has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on their program.
In the end, the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrated a hard-fought victory in challenging conditions, securing their place in the College Football Playoff discussion and capping off an unforgettable American Conference Championship game.
