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Cincinnati Football: Highlights from Week 1 loss against the Razorbacks

ByCharles Post|
Corey Kiner of the Cincinnati Bearcats jumps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Getty Images.
Corey Kiner of the Cincinnati Bearcats jumps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Getty Images.

After a scoreless first half, the Bearcats started to find a rhythm offensively and were able to compete down the stretch before losing by a touchdown. Check out a handful of highlights from Cincinnati’s narrow loss at Razorback Stadium.

Ben Bryant was intercepted on the first drive of the game and the Razorbacks quickly took advantage as KJ Jefferson scored from 15 yards out. Jefferson reached the end zone again, connecting with Trey Knox on a short passing touchdown, just seconds before halftime.

Following the break, Cincinnati moved the ball with much more consistency and scored touchdowns on back to back drives. Corey Kiner capped a 12-play possession with a 5-yard run to get the Bearcats within one score early in the third quarter.

Arkansas answered with a scoring drive of their own as Jefferson found Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood near the goal line. It didn’t take much time for the Bearcats to respond when Bryant led a 75-yard scoring drive in less than a minute.

Cincinnati Football: Highlights from Week 1 loss against the Razorbacks

Tre Tucker started the possession with a 29-yard kickoff return before Bryant hit wide receiver Tyler Scott for a 30-yard gain to get into opponent territory. A play later, the senior quarterback found Nick Mardner downfield for a 35-yard touchdown.

Cincinnati had a golden opportunity to tie the game when Jefferson mishandled a snap and Eric Phillips recovered it near the goal line but four penalties took away the chance to score a touchdown as the Bearcats had to settle for a field goal instead.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Cincinnati took over with a shot to tie it. The potential game-tying drive didn’t last long as Bryant was sacked and fumbled with 9:52 left in the game. Jefferson hit Knox again to extend the lead to 31-17.

The Bearcats continued to fight as Bryant connected with tight end Leonard Taylor for a 15-yard score but it wasn’t enough as the defense couldn’t get a stop on the next drive and Arkansas was able to run out the rest of the clock and secure the 31-24 win.