Cincinnati Football: Postgame quotes from Bearcats trip to Arkansas

Following the 31-24 loss against Arkansas, Luke Fickell and several Cincinnati players talked to the media about dealing with the difficult atmosphere, defending KJ Jefferson, learning from the loss, penalty and turnover concerns, and more in the postgame press conference.

The program hadn’t lost a regular season game since falling to conference rival Memphis on November 29, 2019. Despite the disappointing result in Arkansas, the Bearcats sounded like they believe it is an opportunity to grow as a team.

Luke Fickell talked about coming up short in the opener via Cincinnati Athletics.

"“We’ve been very fortunate in the past couple years. This is an incredible learning experience. I thought we found out a lot about ourselves and our fight. We just didn’t get it done. We didn’t play well enough on both sides of the ball to get the job done in a tough environment against a tough football team but this is how you figure out who you really are.”"

The Bearcats trailed 14-0 at halftime before scoring touchdowns on two consecutive drives in the third quarter to get within one possession. Multiple penalties in the red zone and a fourth quarter fumble cost Cincinnati a chance to tie the game.

Cincinnati Football: Postgame quotes from Luke Fickell

During the press conference, Fickell discussed the errors with Cincinnati Athletics.

"“There are some things that we have to do a lot better. You can’t go down to a place like this against this team and have some of those penalties and missed field goals. We had two false starts after we got the ball on a turnover and end up losing 25 yards. That’s where the execution, especially on the road, has to be a lot better.”"

Ben Bryant got off to a tough start, throwing an interception on his first drive as the new starter, and missing several open receivers in the first half. The senior quarterback had plenty of positive moments but failed to meet expectations on Saturday.

In the postgame availability, Bryant reacted to the performance per Bearcat Journal.

"“It’s tough to start the first drive with a pick but we bounced back from there. Obviously I overthrew a couple that would have been touchdowns in the first half. We did a really good job in the second half of coming out and executing a lot better. It’s just a learning moment for everyone and I think we’ll get a lot better from here.”"

Cincinnati’s defense played well for the most part but allowed a few big plays down the stretch that were difficult to overcome as Arkansas leaned on Jefferson to create offensively. The dual threat quarterback found a way to pick up several key first downs and secure the win.

Jefferson completed 18/26 passing attempts and finished with 223 yards and three touchdowns in the narrow victory. He did more damage on the ground, racking up 62 rushing yards and one touchdown on 18 carries, including the game-sealing first down.

Cincinnati Football: Postgame quotes from Luke Fickell

Bearcats team captain Wil Huber discussed defending Jefferson via Bearcat Journal.

"“There were too many times that he made us miss and ran through our arm tackles. It’s definitely something that we need to work on. He’s a great player and is going to make plays but we have to eliminate as best as possible. It’s just consistency and discipline with your eyes, hands and feet. Just continue to work on the fundamentals.”"

Huber went down with an undisclosed injury and headed straight to the locker room for a few minutes in the first half before returning and making an impact against the Razorbacks. In the season-opening loss, Huber totaled five tackles and forced pressure on several occasions.

After getting within one score early in the fourth quarter, Bryant was strip sacked for his second turnover and Arkansas quickly extended the lead. Cincinnati scored on the following possession but couldn’t force a punt as Jefferson sealed the win.

Fickell explained how the team can improve going forward with Cincinnati Athletics.

"“It wasn’t a lack of effort by any means. This is going to be a team that will be much different as it continues to move forward. They’re disappointed but I think they understand what getting punched really feels like now. We’ve been beat the last couple years but I think it’s a different situation like this early in the season where you’ve worked and prepared so hard.”"