So far this season, the Cincinnati Bearcats have won every game by at least 14 points. On Saturday, they faced their stiffest competition yet as they traveled to Bright House Network Stadium to face the UCF Golden Knights. Behind an efficient night from quarterback Desmond Ridder, the Bearcats defeated the Golden Knights 36-33.
UCF took advantage of the home crowd early. All three squads on the team made plays and it jumped out to a 14-3 lead. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel was on the mark.
The Bearcats settled in on the road however and began to play like the dominant team fans have seen all season. Along with Ridder and the passing game, Cincinnati RB Gerrid Doaks led a rushing attack which gave the offense versatility. The senior finished with 97 yards on 28 rushes. He didn’t have the breakout runs; however, his consistent touches kept the defense on their heels and drives alive. The UCF defense scrambled all night with the unpredictable play calling from the Bearcats. With a 16-3 run to finish the half, Cincinnati led UCF 19-17 going into the third.
Following a field goal from the Bearcats, the Black and Gold began to flex their muscle with a touchdown and two-point conversion. With a 25-22 lead, Gabriel looked poised to lead his team to the finish line.
The fourth quarter is when the Bearcats began to show why they’ve been one of the most dominant teams in college football this year. The key momentum shift came after a Gabriel interception thrown to Cincinnati safety Darrick Forrest. Ridder threw a screen pass to Doaks and the Black and White recaptured the lead. On the following possession, Ridder led the way down the field with a touchdown drive capped off to tight end Leonard Taylor. The Junior finished with six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown which led to 14 unanswered points.
The Golden Knights fought back with a touchdown drive and two-point conversion. On defense they couldn’t get the crucial stop needed as the Bearcats marched down the field and ran the timeout to seal the victory.
This is an impressive victory for the undefeated Bearcats. When a team has been as dominant as they have to start the season, to get pushed to the brink and find a way to come out on top against a tough opponent is what shapes the character of a good team. Adversity is the best teacher. They were tested by a competitive UCF team.
Ridder finished with 338 yards on 21 for 32 passing and two touchdowns.
Cincinnati moves to 8-0 and will travel to the City of Brotherly Love and take on the Temple Owls Saturday Nov. 28.UCF dropped to 5-3 and will travel to Raymond James Stadium and face the USF Bulls Friday Nov. 27.