Cincinnati Football: Bearcats survive scare from South Florida on Homecoming

Despite a disappointing first half performance, the Bearcats were able to fight off South Florida and secure a 28-24 win on Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati trailed 10-0 early on before coming back to stay undefeated in conference play.

South Florida scored a touchdown on the opening possession and quickly added a field goal after an interception from Ben Bryant on the first play. It was a rough start for the Bearcats but Jadon Thompson flipped the momentum with a 28-yard touchdown.

Cincinnati continued to have success through the air as Bryant found Nick Mardner for a touchdown to take a 14-10 lead. It seemed like the Bearcats might take control at that point but South Florida answered as Gerry Bohanon hit Xavier Weaver in the end zone.

For just the second time this year, Cincinnati trailed following the first half. South Florida held a 17-14 lead at halftime before Charles McClelland snuck past the defense for a short touchdown run to put Cincinnati back up 21-17 early in the second half.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats survive scare from South Florida on Homecoming

Luke Fickell decided to go for it on fourth and short late in the third quarter but Ryan Montgomery lost his footing and was immediately swarmed by the defense. Two plays later, the Bulls regained the lead with a 16-yard touchdown from Bohanon to Weaver.

Evan Prater was thrust into action in the fourth quarter as Bryant left with an injury and he helped lead the game-winning drive, ending with another touchdown run from McClelland. Cincinnati forced a turnover on downs on the next possession and was able to run out the clock to escape with a win.

In addition to extending the 30-game win streak at home, Fickell tied Rick Minter with the most wins in school history. It wasn’t a dominant showing by any means but the Bearcats found a way to win. Fickell discussed the performance in the postgame press conference per Cincinnati Athletics.

"“I have to give them a lot of credit. They came in here with a really good game plan. I don’t think we came out with the fire, tempo and speed which we needed and it showed. It was a battle. Ultimately it came down to two plays. There’s some things that we have to do better. This is a large mountain to climb and these guys understand that. The guys that have been here the last couple years know what it’s like when everyone is swinging at you. If you don’t play your best, it’s going to be very difficult. Thank goodness we were at home and had that crowd and environment to keep us going until we could seal the deal with a few plays.”"