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The Cincinnati Bearcats traveled to mile high to play the Colorado Buffaloes. Both teams entered with 5-2 records and was a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup. Unfortunately, UC lost 34-23 in a game that made the Clifton faithful waiting for the 10:15 PM game to start.
On their first drive of the game, Cincinnati’s Jared Bartlett dominantly sacked Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, smashing him into the grass for a loss of 10 yards. Bartlett immediately found a hole and ran straight into him.
Sanders had a nice pass to Jimmy Horn Jr. who took it to the house. Horn Jr. threw a peace sign to UC defenders before the goal line. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was called and was never called a touchdown. But the Buffaloes scored a few plays later with a short pass to Travis Hunter.
UC immediately responded. Evan Pryor with another week of explosive plays, sprinting 40 yards to put the team at the 24-yard line. Royer with a reception stiff arming to get into the red zone. Completing the drive with a Tony Johnson touchdown.
Horn Jr. was a thorn in UC’s side all night. First taunting us with a peace sign, then on their next drive, dodging, weaving, and stutter-stepping through both sides of the field to gain 15 yards and a first down. The Bearcat defense was tripping over each other trying to make a tackle. In the red zone, Sanders ran in for a touchdown.
Just as Shadeur Sanders showcased his ability to slip by defenders and run the ball, Sorsby showed his rushing skills with a 21-yard run for a first down. He then threw it into the arms of Colorado’s Preston Hodge as flags immediately flew. Saved by a pass interference call, Pryor powered through for a touchdown.
After giving up a field goal to Colorado, Sorsby was not able to break through on a fourth and one, giving the ball to Colorado at their own 46. For the first time in weeks, the half did not come to an end with a Cincinnati missed field goal. Sanders threw 34 yards to Hunter for a touchdown to end the half with the Buffaloes leading 24-14.
The first drive for each team in the second half both resulted in punts. The Buffaloes had everyone fooled with a fake handoff, and a quick slant out to LaJohntay Wester for 28 yards, followed by six.
Down 31-14 with just under 10 minutes left in the game, the Bearcats were desperate to claw their way back. In the red zone, Sorsby with a great pass to Tony Johnson in the corner of the endzone, but excellent defensive coverage by Preston Hodge resulted in an incomplete pass. Kiner got hit hard for a loss of yardage on a third and eight, and they settled for a field goal.
On their next drive, the Bearcats pulled out all the stops. Johnson with a reception for 22 yards, Royer with a catch for 19. Kiner exploded with a 23-yard run, literally jumping right over Colorado’s defense. Finally into the endzone with Royer. Down 31-23, they attempted a two point conversion, Sorsby immediately had pressure on him, scrambling to the sideline with a last-ditch throw to Royer in double coverage, as Colorado defenders bobbled the ball.
With less than three minutes left, the Bearcats were pretty much out of options. The Buffaloes scored a field goal, UC turned the ball over on downs, and the clock ran out, losing to Colorado 34-23.
My main takeaway is that Colorado is a pretty good football team, with a slippery offense. Our defense has been good the last few weeks, practically saving the game in some cases, but were not able to effectively cover the dynamic duo of Sanders and Hunter. The amount of missed tackles, and UC players tripping over themselves to catch up with those two, Horn Jr., and other key players for Colorado was astonishing.
For the first time in weeks, special teams have not made it into the “needs improvement” section of the column. Every field goal and extra point was made and nothing stood out as an issue. Although down for most of the game, Sorsby still leads the offense with unwavering confidence and skill. Kiner jumping over defenders late in the game shows that this offense won’t stop trying no matter the situation.
UC has a week to recover and clean up their act before taking on West Virginia at Nippert.
Charlie Jaeb heads up Bearcat Football coverage for Cincinnati Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @CharlieJaeb.
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