Cincinnati Football: Bearcats continue to struggle in the red zone during loss to Oklahoma

After jumping out to an early lead, the Cincinnati Bearcats continued to scuffle in the red zone in a 20-6 loss against the Oklahoma Sooners today.

Bryan Brown’s defense played well enough to keep the Bearcats within striking distance but the offense was never able to make a true dent in the deficit.

Cincinnati quarterback Emory Jones finished with 235 passing yards on a 53.6% completion rate but a pair of interceptions were critical in the recent loss.

It appeared the Bearcats were going to cut into the 10-3 deficit heading into halftime before Jones was picked off by Oklahoma safety Key Lawerence.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats continue to struggle in the red zone during loss to Oklahoma

Both teams moved the ball well and finished with 21 first downs but the Sooners were able to score in the red zone and Scott Satterfield’s team failed to do so.

In addition to struggling to convert on third down, the Bearcats offensive line couldn’t protect Jones and it resulted in plenty of empty possessions.

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel compiled 322 passing yards and two total touchdowns, and wide receiver Andrel Anthony put up 117 receiving yards.

The Big 12 opener was a chance for Cincinnati to make a statement against the perennial contender but the talent disparity became abundantly clear.

Cincinnati Football: Scott Satterfield reacts to Oklahoma loss in postgame press conference

Following a frustrating loss last week, the Bearcats were attempting to get back on track but the offense continued to sputter after getting into the red zone.

Satterfield broke down the loss to Oklahoma and reacted to the concerning red zone troubles in the postgame press conference per Cincinnati Athletics.

"“It’s very condensed so the coverage is tighter and it’s hard to find the windows to throw the football. It comes down to execution as far as fundamentally making the blocks. We have to do a better job within the red zone. You can’t let a bad play or bad game effect you. We don’t have a ton of depth right now so the guys that are out there are going to have to play and keep going. You have to come back the next day ready to go. It’s just another opportunity.”"