Postgame Observations: Bearcats Remain Undefeated, Hang on to Beat Tulsa 28-20

Cincinnati is 9-0 following Saturday's Homecoming win over Tulsa.

Author:
James Rapien
Nov 6, 2021 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI — The Bearcats did exactly what they were hoping to do in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium, but it might've been closer than they expected.

Cincinnati beat Tulsa 28-20 to improve to 9-0 on the season.

The Bearcats got off to a quick start, taking a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter, but Tulsa rallied multiple times in a game that went down to the wire.

Cincinnati's defense got a key stop on 4th-and-5 with 1:14 left. Cornerback Deshawn Pace tackled Sam Crawford Jr. at the 2-yard line, which was around a yard short of the first down.

That play appeared to secure a Bearcats' win, but quarterback Desmond Ridder fumbled on the next play, which gave the Golden Hurricane hope.

The Bearcats' defense stepped up again, forcing Tulsa into a 4th-and-goal situation.

Cincinnati forced a Stephen Anderson fumble and Jabari Taylor recovered it in the end zone to secure the win for the Bearcats.

Here are some postgame observations:

Third Quarter Surge

The Bearcats' offense scored 14 points in the first six minutes of the third quarter to extend their lead to 28-12. Ridder led Cincinnati on a four-play, 72-yard drive that ended with an Alec Pierce touchdown reception from 12-yards out.

Cincinnati followed that up by getting a big stop on 4th-and-1. The Bearcats scored three plays later when Ridder found Michael Young Jr. for a 31-yard touchdown.

Stubborn Hurricane

Tulsa didn't go down without a fight. They battled back from a 14-point first half deficit and a 16-point second half deficit to keep the game close.

The Golden Hurricane got the ball back with a chance to tie with 5:28 remaining. They marched downfield, but the Bearcats' defense stepped up and got two stops in the red zone.

Closing in on a Record

Ridder completed 15-of-23 passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The 22-year-old is just one touchdown pass away (77) from tying Gino Guidugli (78) for the most touchdown passes is Bearcats' history.

Ridder also ran for 43 yards and one touchdown.

Key Injury

Jerome Ford left the game with an injury late in the second quarter with an undisclosed injury and didn't return.

The star running back finished with 24 yards and one touchdown on seven carries. He also had two receptions for 67 yards.

Big Play Machine

Pierce finished with five receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown. He made multiple big plays down the field and helped spark the Bearcats' offense when they needed it most.

Pierce had receptions of 40 and 36 yards—both drives ended with Bearcats touchdowns.

Up Next

The Bearcats play South Florida on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. ET.

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