Check out live updates throughout the Cincinnati Bearcats regular season opener against Eastern Kentucky this afternoon at Nippert Stadium!
Just moments into the long-awaited matchup, Emory Jones connected with Xzavier Henderson for a 49-yard touchdown to put the Bearcats up 7-0.
The former Florida quarterback continued to show off his ability with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Dee Wiggins midway through the first quarter.
With a chance to extend the advantage even further, Jones found tight end Payten Singletary in the end zone to take a commanding 28-0 lead.
#Bearcats quarterback Emory Jones connects with wide receiver Xzavier Henderson for a 49-yard touchdown on the first drive to take a 7-0 lead over Eastern Kentucky! pic.twitter.com/QvQ2XPoFCH
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 2, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Bearcats continue to roll past Eastern Kentucky in regular season opener
- Date: Saturday, September 2 at 3:30 PM
- Location: Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati
- Series History: Bearcats lead 2-0
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+ and fuboTV
After defensive back Bryon Threats snagged an interception, Jones escaped the pass rush and scored a 12-yard TD run in the second quarter.
Bearcats running back Corey Kiner had a career-high 54-yard run to put the Bearcats in the red zone before Jones extended the lead to 35-0.
Eastern Kentucky responded with a touchdown drive as Parker McKinney connected with Hunter Brown for a 17-yard score to get on the board.
#Cincinnati leads Eastern Kentucky 42-7 at halftime as Emory Jones totaled 360 yards and six touchdowns! pic.twitter.com/Y2WwVfNnYk
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 2, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Live updates as the Bearcats open season against Eastern Kentucky
Braden Smith snagged a 48-yard touchdown to give the Bearcats a 42-7 lead at halftime with less than a minute remaining in the first half.
Jones was seemingly unstoppable in the opening half, compiling 326 passing yards and six total touchdowns to help Cincinnati dominate.
Scott Satterfield’s team posted 487 total yards and converted all three red zone trips in the first half to build an insurmountable advantage.