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Cincinnati Bearcats lose to Pittsburgh Panthers | Replay, highlights

By Scott Springer and Alex Harrison, Cincinnati Enquirer,

2024-09-07

FINAL: Cincinnati Bearcats blow 21-point lead in second half, fall to Pitt 28-27

The Pitt Panthers (2-0) scored 22-unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Cincinnati Bearcats 28-27 at Nippert Stadium. Pitt converted a 35-yard field goal from Ben Sauls with 17 seconds left on the clock to take its first lead of the afternoon.

Cincinnati (1-1) led 17-3 just before the half, but kicker Carter Brown missed a 25-yard field goal with 23 seconds left on the clock. That proved enough time for Pitt to run up the field and convert a 53-yarder from Sauls to cut the lead to 17-6.

In the third quarter, Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby connected with Joe Royer for a touchdown and Brown made a 26-yard field goal to give Cincinnati a 27-6 lead with 4:50 left in the quarter.

Pitt took control of the game from there, scoring 22-straight points.

In the game-winning drive for Pitt, the Panthers faced a third down and four from their 26-yard line. Derrick Davis Jr. rushed for no gain, but a delay of game penalty was called on Cincinnati's Kam Wilson. Instead of a fourth down, Pitt was given a fresh set of downs and marched down the field. Three plays later, Holstein hit Konata Mumpfield on a 34-yard pass to get inside the red zone with 50 ticks left on the clock.

Sorsby finished 22-for-38 with 298 yards and a trio of touchdowns to Royer, Jamoi Mayes and Tony Johnson. Corey Kiner finished his day with 20 rushes for 149 yards. In his return, Dontay Corleone had six total tackles (two solo) and a sack.

After a pedestrian first half, Holstein finished 20-for-35 for 302 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Mumpfield had five receptions, two for touchdowns, for 123 yards. Desmond Reid caught six balls for 106 yards and a score while rushing for 148 yards.

Scoring summary | Pitt 28, UC 27

UC- Mayes 52 pass from Sorsby (Brown kick)

P- FG Sauls 47

UC- Johnson 5 pass from Sorsby (Brown kick)

UC- FG Brown 49

P- FG Sauls 53

UC- Royer 16 pass from Sorsby (Brown kick)

UC- FG Brown 26

P- Mumpfield 11 pass from Holstein (Sauls kick)

P- Mumpfield 38 pass from Holstein (pass failed)

P- Reid 56 pass from Holstein (pass failed)

P- FG Sauls 35

Pitt kicks field goal to take lead with 17 seconds left | Pitt 28, UC 27

The Pitt Panthers went from trailing 27-6 in the third quarter to taking a 28-27 lead on a 35-yard field goal with just 17 seconds left on the clock.

Pitt regains possession with 2:38 left on clock | UC 27, Pitt 25

The Cincinnati Bearcats were unable to run out the final five-plus minutes of clock and were forced to punt the ball back to Pitt with a slight lead.

The Panthers take over from their 20 with over two minutes remaining, just needing a field goal to finish off a comeback victory at Nippert Stadium. Pitt had trailed 27-6 in the third quarter, but have scored 19-unanswered points.

Pitt gets 56-yard touchdown from Holstein to Reid, still trails after two-point fail | UC 27, Pitt 25

The Pitt Panthers have come back against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein hit the speedy Desmond Reid who scored on a 56-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers went for two to tie the game, but Eric Phillips was unblocked as he sacked Holsetin on the try.

The Bearcats still lead with 5:40 left on the clock in the fourth quarter.

Pitt gets ball back after Sorsby sacked for nine-yard loss on third down | UC 27, Pitt 19

On a third-and-five from the Cincinnati 41, quarterback Brendan Sorsby was sacked for a nine-yard loss by Shadarian Harrison. Mason Fletcher boomed a 62-yard punt to pin Pitt at its six-yard line, but the Panthers regain possession down a score with nearly eight minutes still left on the clock.

Pitt converts fourth down with 38-yard touchdown pass | UC 27, Pitt 19

Facing a fourth down with 3 yards to go, the Pitt Panthers went for more than a first down. Holstein found a wide open Mumpfield for an easy 38-yard touchdown. The Panthers opted to go for two points after, but the conversion failed after Holstein threw behind an open Kenny Johnson.

Pitt needed just 3:23 off the clock to go 82 yards in seven plays. The Panthers have had consecutive touchdown drives of at least 75 yards.

Pitt scores first touchdown with less than a minute remaining in third quarter | UC 27, Pitt 13

Pitt scored its first touchdown of the game with 46 seconds remaining in the third quarter. On a third-and-goal from the Bearcats 11-yard line, Eli Holstein found Konata Mumpfield after a brief scramble for the touchdown. Cincinnati still leads 27-13.

Pitt's 12-yard punt sets up another Bearcats field goal | UC 27, Pitt 6

After another defensive stop by the Bearcats, Pitt was forced to punt from its 28-yard line, but Panther punter Caleb Junko shanked it for a 12-yard punt with 6:49 left on the clock.

Corey Kiner rushed to the Pitt 10-yard line on the drive's first play, but the drive stalled there. Carter Brown converted the 26-yard field goal to put Cincinnati ahead by 21 points.

Scott Springer: Bearcats racking up many career firsts against Pitt

More: Cincinnati Bearcats with a day of firsts against Pitt Panthers

Ohio State transfer, Elder grad Joe Royer scores first Cincinnati touchdown | UC 24, Pitt 6

Cincinnati capped off a scoring drive with a 16-yard pass from Sorsby to Elder graduate and Ohio State transfer tight end Joe Royer. Royer has three receptions for 49 yards so far today. The touchdown is the first of Royer's collegiate career.

The Bearcats went 58 yards on 10 plays in the drive that lasted 5:13.

Cincinnati defense forces turnover on downs on first drive of second half | UC 17, Pitt 6

The Pitt Panthers opened the second half with good field position after a personal foul was enforced on the kickoff and Kenny Johnson returned the kick to the Cincinnati 49. Pitt netted just seven yards and failed to convert on fourth down after an incomplete pass from Holstein to Reid.

Cincinnati Bearcats lead Pitt 17-6 at halftime

Cincinnati outgained Pitt 285-168 in the first half, but a missed Bearcats field goal set up a successful try for the Pitt Panthers to shift some momentum at the break.

Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby is 13-for-22 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Corey Kiner has led the rushing attack, running 11 times for 71 yards.

Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein has been held to 7-for-17 for 91 yards and an interception by Josh Minkins. Desmond Reid has led the Pitt running game with 69 yards on nine attempts.

Pitt makes 53-yard field goal as first half expires | UC 17, Pitt 6

After Cincinnati failed to make a kick with 25 seconds left in the half, Pitt went 45 yards in three plays to set up a 53-yard field goal attempt with one second left on the clock. Ben Sauls converted the kick, sending Pitt to the break trailing Cincinnati 17-6.

Carter Brown misses 25-yard field goal before half | UC 17, Pitt 3

The Cincinnati Bearcats missed a precious chance to go up by three scores over Pitt before halftime. After failing to score from the Pitt seven-yard line, Cincinnati lined up for a 25-yard field goal attempt which Carter Brown missed wide left with 25 seconds left in the second quarter.

Carter Brown makes 49-yard field goal after penalties stall drive | UC 17, Pitt 3

After a Sorsby interception in the endzone was overturned on review, the Bearcats drove into the redzone, but penalties on Corey Kiner and Dartanyan Tinsley pushed Cincinnati away. Kicker Carter Brown was called in for a 49-yard field goal and drilled his first attempt of the day.

Cincinnati leads Pitt 14-3 after one quarter

The Cincinnati Bearcats lead Pitt 14-3 after a quarter and have possession of the ball after forcing a quick three-and-out following the Tony Johnson touchdown.

The Bearcats have outgained Pitt 184-106 through one quarter. Sorsby is 6-for-9 through the air for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Corey Kiner has 44 of Cincinnati's 45 net rushing yards.

Pair of 30-yard passes sets up touchdown pass to Tony Johnson | UC 14, Pitt 3

After a 34-yard pass to Xzavier Henderson and a 32-yarder to Joe Royer to get inside the Pitt 10-yard line, the Bearcats scored their second touchdown of the day on a five-yard pass from Sorsby to Tony Johnson. The reception was Johnson's first as a Bearcat after coming over from Florida Atlantic.

Pitt gets on the board with 47-yard field goal | UC 7, Pitt 3

Pitt had another drive into Cincinnati territory, but could only muster a field goal from Ben Sauls. Sauls drilled the 47-yard attempt to cut Cincinnati's lead to 7-3 still in the first quarter.

Sorsby to Jamoi Mayes for 52 yards to put Cincinnati on top | UC 7, Pitt 0

Cincinnati strikes first against Pitt. After an incomplete pass on a deep shot to Xzavier Henderson, Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby hit Jamoi Mayes in stride along the sideline for a 52-yard touchdown.

That was the first touchdown as a Bearcat for Mayes, a transfer from Chattanooga and UAB.

Josh Minkins intercepts Pitt pass in the endzone

After Cincinnati punted to open the game, Pitt was driving into Bearcats territory, reaching the Cincinnati 26-yard line. On second down, Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein took a shot to the endzone which was intercepted by Josh Minkins.

That was career interception No. 3 for Minkins and his first as a Bearcat after transferring from Louisville.

UC-Pitt pre-game updates

Dontay Corleone indeed warmed up and was announced as a starter to large applause. Offensive lineman Phillip Wilder did not start. Tight end Joey Beljan is out.

Recruiting-wise, among today's visitors is Moeller junior quarterback Matt Ponatoski who is four touchdown passes away from the Moeller record set by Tim Koegel who graduated in 1977. The nephew of Gino and Ben Guidugli, George Guidugli of Elder is also here, as is the legendary patriarch Dave Guidugli.

Kickoff nears. Take one last look at the scouting report for Pitt at Cincinnati

How are Cincinnati and Pitt similar? What are the keys to a Cincinnati victory? Who are the top players to watch in the rivalry meeting? All that information and more is here in the Saturday guideline before kickoff at Nippert Stadium.

Cincinnati Bearcats holding steady as two-point favorites one hour before kickoff

On DraftKings as of Friday, the Cincinnati Bearcats were two-point favorites against the Pitt Panthers with an over/under of 63 points. As of 11 a.m. on Saturday, those lines have remained the same. Against Towson last week, Cincinnati's spread fluctuated by one to one-and-a-half points before the kick.

What the Bearcats have to say about Dontay Corleone's return

After missing portions of the preseason since mid-June and the season opener against Towson with blood clots in his lungs, Dontay Corleone was cleared to return to football and practiced throughout the week.

See what head coach Scott Satterfield and other Bearcats players had to say about the return of the All-American defensive lineman.

Look back at the 2008 Cincinnati season before the Bearcats get recognized against Pitt

The 2008 Cincinnati Bearcats went 11-3 and played in the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech. That team will be honored in today's game against Pitt.

Before that historic team is recognized, take a game-by-game look at that season , including a 28-21 win at Nippert Stadium over Pitt in a Top-20 showdown.

Five things to know as the Cincinnati Bearcats host the Pitt Panthers

The Cincinnati Bearcats look to win their fourth-straight game in the rivalry with Pitt.

From the quarterback battle between Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby and Alabama transfer Eli Holstein at Pitt to which Bearcat running backs will be most involved in the play calling, here are five things to know as Pitt comes back to Nippert Stadium .

Cincinnati Bearcats honoring 2008 Orange Bowl team during Pitt game

Bearcats GM Zach Grant talks about how a Big 12 team comes together

Yes, even the Cincinnati Bearcats football team has a general manager.

After graduating from Notre Dame and working for Western Kentucky University and Ohio State, Cincinnati hired Zach Grant as its General Manager in Recruiting.

Grant discussed what he's learned from previous stops and coaches, what recruiting trips look like and how a Big 12 team is put together in 2024.

Brendan Sorsby shines for Cincinnati Bearcats in Week 1

The Cincinnati Bearcats opened up with a 38-20 win at home over Towson with Indiana transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby throwing for 383 yards and two touchdowns while running for two more. That earned him Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors.

Transfers deliver for Pitt Panthers vs. Kent State

In Pittsburgh, it was Alabama transfer Eli Holstein throwing for 336 yards and three scores in his college debut, earning him Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week. Western Carolina transfer running back Desmond Reid also had a stellar debut for the Panthers with 235 all-purpose yards (145 rushing plus a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown). Pitt rallied from a 28-21 lead early in the second half to win 55-24.

Cincinnati Bearcats welcome back Dontay Corleone

The Bearcats hope to stuff Pitt's run as they get nose tackle Dontay Corleone back . Corleone had been limited due to a blood clot condition discovered in June. UC Sports Medicine cleared him to play this week . UC will also honor their 2008 Big East championship team coached by current LSU coach Brian Kelly at the game.

Watch Cincinnati Bearcats football vs Pitt Panthers live on ESPN2

Cincinnati Bearcats vs Pitt Panthers score updates

This section will be updated when the game begins.

1	2	3	4	F
PITT PANTHERS	3	3	7	15	—	28
CINCINNATI BEARCATS	14	3	10	0	—	27

Cincinnati Bearcats vs Pitt Panthers time today

Date: Sept. 7
Time: Noon
Location: Nippert Stadium (38,007)

What channel is Cincinnati Bearcats vs Pitt Panthers on today?

TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming: WatchESPN
Radio: 700WLW
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Pitt will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Roy Philpott and Sam Acho have the call from the booth with Taylor Davis reporting from the sidelines. 700WLW or SiriusXM Channel 161 or 200 has the radio broadcast with Dan Hoard and Jim Kelly. Former UC quarterback Tony Pike mans the sidelines with Host-Engineer Mo Egger handling the pregame, halftime and post-game shows.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Pitt Panthers history

Series record: Pitt leads 8-5
Cincinnati's last win: 2023 (27-21)
Pitt's last win : 2010 (28-10)

Cincinnati Bearcats vs Pitt Panthers predictions

In my preseason predictions, I went with the Bearcats 29-23. Both teams played teams they should have rolled in Week One. UC backed off late, while Pitt stayed on the gas late, taking a 31-24 game to 55-24. A more energized, packed Nippert should mean something and the defensive line has Corleone back which should also mean something. I'll stick with my gut, but change the points, 30-24 UC.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Pitt Panthers betting odds

Game lines and odds from DraftKings as of Friday:

Spread: Cincinnati -1.5
Over/under : 63
Moneyline: +102 Pitt, -122 UC

Cincinnati Bearcats/Pitt Panthers injury updates

Tight end Joey Beljan is out and more likely for the Miami University game in Oxford next week. Most importantly, nose tackle Dontay Corleone returns for the Bearcats.

Pitt center Lyndon Cooper left the Kent State game injured but returned late

Cincinnati Bearcats vs Pitt Panthers weather update

As of Saturday's Weather Channel, Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high of 70 degrees. There is just a 6% chance of rain.

Cincinnati Bearcats 2024 schedule

Aug. 31, Towson (W 38-20)
Sept. 7, Pitt
Sept. 14 at Miami University
Sept. 21, Houston
Sept. 28 at Texas Tech
Oct. 12 at UCF
Oct. 19, Arizona State
Oct. 26 at Colorado
Nov. 9, West Virginia
Nov. 16 at Iowa State
Nove. 23 at Kansas State
Nov. 30, TCU

Buy Cincinnati Bearcats football tickets at GoBearcats.com

Pitt Panthers 2024 schedule

Aug. 31 Kent State (W 55-24)
Sept. 7 at Cincinnati
Sept. 14 West Virginia
Sept. 21 Youngstown State
Oct. 5 at North Carolina
Oct. 12 California
Oct. 24 Syracuse
Nov. 2 at SMU
Nov. 9 Virginia
No. 16 Clemson
Nov. 23 at Louisville
Nov. 30 at Boston College

Cincinnati Bearcats football news

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats lose to Pittsburgh Panthers | Replay, highlights