Cincinnati Football: Bearcats edge East Carolina 27-25 behind fourth quarter field goal

In front of another sellout crowd at Nippert Stadium, the Bearcats found a way to get past East Carolina on Friday night. Ryan Coe’s field goal in the fourth quarter helped Cincinnati secure a 27-25 win.

East Carolina had a several chances to regain a lead but the Bearcats stepped up and forced a turnover on downs. With the win, Cincinnati remains in AAC title contention and eliminates East Carolina.

After trailing 5-0 early in the first quarter, Jadon Thompson took a 100-yard kick off return to the house. It was exactly what the team needed and that momentum carried into the second quarter.

Tre Tucker and Tyler Scott each scored a receiving touchdown from Ben Bryant to give the Bearcats a double-digit lead. Coe added a 37-yard field goal as Cincinnati took a 24-12 lead into halftime.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats edge East Carolina 27-25 behind fourth quarter field goal

East Carolina quickly cut into the deficit with a score from Keaton Mitchell and later took a 25-24 lead as Holton Ahlers found Jaylen Johnson for a touchdown late in the third quarter that shifted momentum.

Following a 10-play drive, Coe drilled a 27-yard field goal to give the Bearcats a 27-25 lead that they did not relinquish. Cincinnati native Deshawn Pace had a team-high 10 total tackles in the thrilling win.

It was a close call but the Bearcats extended the win streak at Nippert Stadium and stay alive for a berth in the AAC championship. Luke Fickell reacted to the win in the press conference per Cincinnati Athletics.

"“It doesn’t get any closer than that. That was a phenomenal atmosphere. We know Nipp at Night is special but it was the difference in the ball game. When that momentum started to shift and we need a pick me up, we were really fortunate to be at home in an environment like this. It’s never easy. I just think our ability to find ways to win in our building, play together and do whatever it takes. Our special teams unit was the difference to me in the ball game. We had a 100-yard return, our ability to kick field goals, kick off coverage after a safety and punt as well as we do. That’s a combination that gives us an opportunity to win.”"