Cincinnati Football: Bearcats fight back but fall short in season opener

Despite getting off to a slow start, the Cincinnati Bearcats had a chance to take a fourth quarter lead before falling just short in the season opener at Arkansas. Luke Fickell’s team fought back but couldn’t quite get over the hump in a 31-24 loss.

If the Bearcats didn’t dig themselves an early hole then it’s likely the result would have been different. There are several reasons why Cincinnati lost to Arkansas but missed opportunities and unwarranted penalties were the most glaring factors.

Ben Bryant was named the starting quarterback prior to kick off before really struggling to find a rhythm in the first half. The senior quarterback was picked off on his first possession and overthrew multiple receivers including a few potential touchdown passes.

Dwight McGlothern intercepted Bryant in the first quarter and KJ Jefferson quickly turned it into points with a 15-yard touchdown run to put Arkansas on the board. Following a pair of missed field goals from Ryan Coe, the Razorbacks scored again to take a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats fight back but fall short in season opener

Corey Kiner started the third quarter with a short touchdown run to gain some momentum but Arkansas answered right back with a score of their own. Bryant looked much more comfortable in the second half and connected with Nick Mardner for a touchdown to get within 21-14.

Following a costly fumble from the Razorbacks deep in their own territory, it looked like Cincinnati would have a shot to tie the game. Instead a slew of penalties spoiled the possession and the Bearcats were forced to settle for a 26-yard field goal.

The biggest turning point in the game came with just under 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter and Cincinnati trailing by a touchdown. Bryant was strip sacked from the blindside and Arkansas quickly pounced on the fumble before extending the lead with a touchdown to Trey Knox.

On the following possession, Bryant found Leonard Taylor in the end zone to get back within a score. The Bearcats just needed to get one more stop in order to have a potential game-tying drive but Jefferson shut that down with a first down scamper to secure the win.

The unnecessary penalties and various missed opportunities cost the Bearcats a chance to upset Arkansas but there’s still a lot to be played for this season. Cincinnati will return to the field next Saturday afternoon against Kennesaw State at Nippert Stadium.

If the Bearcats are going to reach their full potential this season then Bryant and the entire offense will have to improve soon. An upset win over Arkansas was within reach but the unforced errors were too much to overcome as Cincinnati lost its first regular season game since 2019.