Cincinnati Bearcats 38, Houston Cougars 31: UC Wins Share Of AAC Championship
By Chris Bains
The Cincinnati Bearcats won a share of the American Athletic Championship today with a nerve wracking 38-31 win over the Houston Cougars. It is UC’s first football title in the AAC, one in which they will share with the Central Florida Knights and Memphis Tigers.
A team that was bolstered in the last two months behind a stingy defense allowed 594 yards and 31 points today. Houston converted over half of their third down conversions and 7.4 yards per play.
This wasn’t especially unexpected. The Cougars are loaded at wide receiver and running back but just needed one of their quarterback options, John O’Korn and Greg Ward Jr., to play to their capabilities. The latter did so today, piling up 360 passing yards, 84 rushing yards, and 3 total touchdowns. Ward was aided by a pair of blown coverages in the secondary not seen from the Bearcats since September and October.
It was frustrating for sure but Cincinnati’s defense stiffened when it mattered most.
Down by a touchdown with 2:03 to play, the Cougars managed to drive 85 yards to Cincinnati’s 10 yard line with a handful of clicks left on the clock. Houston attempted several passes to the end zone but came up wanting each time due to impressive one-on-one plays in coverage and well-timed blitzes. Greg Ward’s final pass, as UC defenders were bearing down on him, sailed high and sealed Cincinnati’s AAC Championship.
Cincy on the Prowl will have more on the game and the trophy presentation today. The Bearcats will also learn of their upcoming bowl location later this weekend.