Houston Out last Bearcats

USPA NEWS - University of Cincinnati football program may have taken a big step showing they can compete in the BIG10 conference. UC stood tall for 53 minutes against #6 ranked Houston. Houston's offensive line's size and physical play finally wore down Bearcats defense with 7 minutes left in the game.

Cincinnati struggled late in the 4th quarter giving up 28 points making it difficult to mount a any kind of comeback.The ground game for the Bearcats was almost nonexistent. Putting together only 30 total net rushing yards for the game. Bearcats quarterback Hayden Moore went 21/37 for total 275 yards and 2 TD's. On the other side of the ball, Houston's quarterback Greg Ward Jr. threw for 326 yards, going 24/36. Adding to his stats he posted 73 rushing yards. Bringing his total days work to 399 total combined yards. Bearcats defense was challenged by Ward's ability to run and throw the football.

UC Bearcat's offense could only mustard 30 total yards for the game. Finding the balanced attack took its toll. With Hayden Moore passing for 275 yards/ 21/37, 2 TD's with 2 INT's produced total offers of just 305 yards.While their opens put up total of 505 yards. Jr. Greg Ward jr. threw for 326 yards and ran for 73. Throwing 1 TD with 2 INT's. UC found it hard to contain QB Ward with his dual threat abilities. Houston's offensive line proved to be the stronger and better condition by games end. UC failed to score off of some created turnovers. Bearcats offense struggled to find that rhythm and confidence at times when it seemed most critical. Houston 40 -16 victory is some what of a misleading ending. The Bearcat's are a fast, athletic and very physical team. Unfortunately conditioning seemed to play a big part late in the game. Houston hard pounding line eventually wore down UC. With only 7 minutes left in the game it was still a 10 point ballgame. Houston lead 26 to 16. Well within striking distance for UC. Then UC was moving ball down the field looking as though a score was in their near future. Then Moore threw an interception that was picked and returned for 6 points. That was the momentum breaking for UC and the tank went empty.