Cincinnati Football: Bearcats continue to battle against conference rival UCF

Despite trailing by double digits during the first half, the Cincinnati Bearcats continue to fight against the UCF Knights on Saturday at Nippert Stadium.

Following several scoreless possessions, Cincinnati quarterback Emory Jones hit wide receiver Braden Smith for a touchdown pass to cut into the deficit.

The Bearcats held an advantage in first downs, total yards and time of possession but multiple turnovers allowed UCF to take a 14-10 lead into halftime.

With an opportunity to go ahead late in the first half, Cincinnati wide receiver Xzavier Henderson fumbled the ball just moments after picking up a first down.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats continue to battle against conference rival UCF

• Date: Saturday, November 4 at 3:30 PM
• Location: Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati
• Series History: Schools tied 4-4
• TV Broadcast: FS1 and fuboTV

Bearcats running back duo Corey Kiner and Ryan Montgomery found plenty of success, combining for 173 rushing yards on 17 carries in the opening half.

Cincinnati jumped out to an early lead as place kicker Carter Brown connected on a 39-yard field goal but the Knights responded with a touchdown drive.

It appeared the Bearcats were going to force a punt but back to back penalties allowed UCF to keep the possession alive and eventually find the end zone.

Jones was replaced by back up quarterback Brady Lichtenberg for one possession in the first quarter before returning to the field the following series.

Cincinnati Football: Bryon Threats ejected in the early stages of game against UCF

Cincinnati safety Bryon Threats was ejected for making contact with an official in the early stages of the first quarter against UCF this afternoon.

During his junior year with the Bearcats, Threats has become an key part of the secondary but will have to wait until next weekend to take the field again.

Scott Satterfield’s team will lean on several others to fill in for Threats including senior safety Taj Ward and redshirt freshman safety Antwan Peek Jr.

Threats came into the day with 43 total tackles, five pass break ups and two interceptions, highlighted by an interception in the Bearcats season-opening win.