The Paddlewheel Trophy will remain in Cincinnati after the Bearcats take down the Pittsburgh Panthers 27-21 this past weekend.
The first half was predominantly Bearcat driven, as quarterback Emory Jones would find tight-end Payten Singletary in the endzone on the first offensive drive of the game to open the scoring. The Pitt offense would find the endzone one time in the first quarter but would be shut out for the remainder of the first half.
Cincinnati would take a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, off an athletic 21-yard touchdown catch made by transfer wide receiver Braden Smith. The Panthers would attempt to mount a comeback, feeding off offensive miscues in the fourth quarter and scoring twice through the air. The defense would come up big on a huge sack on 4th and 9 by Jack Dingle to solidify the win.
Junior running back Corey Kiner was a driving factor for the Bearcat offense, averaging 7.7 yards per carry on 20 attempts, totalling 153 yards and one touchdown, setting a new career high for rushing yards in a single game. The Cincinnati defense would hold strong as well, totaling 5 sacks and 8 pass deflections.
STAT LEADERS:
Passing: #5 Emory Jones: 18-25 | 125 YDS | 2 TD | 1 INT
Rushing: Corey Kiner: 20 ATT | 153 YDS | 7.7 AVG | 1 TD
Receiving: Braden Smith: 5 REC | 59 YDS | 1 TD
Defense: Byron Threats: 7 TOT | 5 Solo | 1 PD
The Bearcats return home for the 127th edition of the Victory Bell Rivalry against Miami of Ohio. Kick-off is at 7:00pm on Big Twelve Now on ESPN+, 102.7 WEBN and on Bearcast Sports Radio.
Stats via ESPN
Cover Image via Cincinnati Enquirer