A series of critical mistakes and unforced errors cost the Cincinnati Bearcats during a 35-27 loss against the BYU Cougars in a Big 12 battle on Friday night.
Cincinnati had plenty of opportunities to stay within striking distance in the second half but several self-inflicted lapses contributed to a third straight loss.
It appeared the Bearcats would have a chance to cut into the deficit before Braden Smith muffed a punt and BYU recovered as the third quarter ended.
With a bye week coming up next, Cincinnati will look to regroup before hosting the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, October 14 at Nippert Stadium.
#Cincinnati had chances to stay within striking distance but self-inflicted lapses contributed to another loss.https://t.co/Jn4mklnMLw pic.twitter.com/DcBPnMpTiQ
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 30, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Several critical mistakes cost the Bearcats in frustrating loss at BYU
BYU cornerback Jakob Robinson intercepted Emory Jones on the first drive of the game and returned it for a touchdown to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead.
Just moments after being picked off, Jones tossed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Chamon Metayer that tied the game midway through the second quarter.
Scott Satterfield’s team is still searching for the first Big 12 victory in school history after starting 0-2 in conference play and suffering a third straight loss.
The Bearcats controlled time of possession during the first half but a last-second touchdown allowed BYU to regain momentum heading into halftime.
Several critical mistakes and unforced errors cost the #Bearcats during a 35-27 loss against BYU tonight.https://t.co/jg4fiulu3N pic.twitter.com/puap1LwVa6
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 30, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Losing streak continues as the Bearcats fall short 35-27 against BYU
Despite compiling more first downs and total yards, the Bearcats committed too many critical mistakes and unforced errors in the sloppy performance.
Even though it resulted in a disappointing outcome, Metayer showcased his ability with a career-high 59 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions.
Jones posted 350 total yards, three touchdowns and one interception, while Smith racked up 72 receiving yards and one touchdown catch in the loss at BYU.
The frustrating result marks the first three-game losing streak for Cincinnati since Luke Fickell was in the midst of his first season as head coach in 2017.