A high-powered offensive performance in the first half fueled the Bearcats to a 45-24 win over previously undefeated Indiana on Saturday at Nippert Stadium as Tyler Scott became the first player in program history with three receiving touchdowns in a half.
The offense was seemingly unstoppable in the second quarter, scoring 28 points and building a 38-10 lead by halftime. Ben Bryant found Scott for a 75-yard touchdown late in the first quarter before hitting Tre Tucker on a 5-yard score early in the second period.
Indiana quickly responded to cut the deficit to 17-10 then the Bearcats completely took control with three touchdowns in just over four minutes. Scott caught two more touchdowns including a beautiful post route resulting in a 34-yard diving reception.
After taking a 31-10 lead with less than a minute left in the first half, the Bearcats tacked on one more score as Eric Phillips blew past the offensive line and forced a fumble. Dominique Perry was able to recover and take it to the house to cap a 28-point quarter.
#Bearcats secure their 29th straight win at Nippert Stadium with a 45-24 win over previously unbeaten Indiana as Tyler Scott scored three touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/BKtoI2Nc6P
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 24, 2022
Cincinnati Football: Bearcats blowout previously unbeaten Indiana
In addition to Scott having a historic first half, the entire offense was clicking on all cylinders but that came to a halt following the break. Both running backs were struggling to get going and the passing game became out of sync and sloppy.
Despite a scoreless third quarter, the Bearcats were able to keep a double digit lead because of stellar defensive play. Indiana got within 14 points early in the fourth quarter but a Corey Kiner touchdown put the final touches on a 45-24 win.
Even though the Bearcats extended the 29-game home win streak and picked up a third straight win, it’s clear there is plenty of room for improvement. Luke Fickell broke down the performance in the postgame press conference per Cincinnati Athletics.
"“This is a team that has to play together. I know we’re still growing. This was an opportunity for us to grow because we hadn’t been in that position. It’s a good football team and is still a very good win. There were some really great things that will give us a chance to win a lot of football games but some things stand out in my mind that we have to do better. You have to be able to come out and finish things off by running the football and play clean defensively. I do believe this will really help us grow.”"