Complete Bearcat Domination Over Houston in First Big 12 Matchup

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T he Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars game was the fun highlight in a weekend of disappointing sports. Even though the Bengals are floundering and the Reds just fired their manager, at least UC pounded their first Big 12 opponent of the year. A rousing 34-0 shutout win against Houston featured a whole lotta defense and some great offensive plays.

Houston’s record was 1-2 with losses to Oklahoma and UNLV. While they came surprisingly close to beating ranked Oklahoma, their only win was a 33-7 performance against Rice.

UC’s defense came in swinging. Houston ran two plays before Bearcat defensive back Josh Minkins intercepted a pass from Houston quarterback Donovan Smith. This marks the third consecutive game with an interception on the opening drive of the game. The hyped-up defense rushed off the field to put a comically large baseball hat on Minkins who had just returned from a hamstring injury.

Unlike the last few weeks, the Bearcat offense was able to capitalize on their defense’s excellent play. With good field position, Sorsby immediately found Jamoi Mayes for a gain of 20. A penalty and a run for a loss weren’t enough to deter the offense. Sorsby threw a pass high over Xzavier Henderson’s head, who leapt out to make a great catch for a 19-yard touchdown reception.

Both sides of the ball were at the top of their game. Sorsby and the offense got into a rhythm on the ground and in the air with tight end Joe Royer having a few standout grabs. Corey Kiner ran 44 yards for a touchdown as the Houston defense trailed behind, falling at his ankles. Kicker Nathan Hawks nailed a field goal from 46 yards.

Sparked by an early interception from Minkins, the defense continued their impressive display. They repeatedly blocked the Houston offense from getting past the line of scrimmage. The Cougars did more clawing back to the line of scrimmage than gaining any yards for most of the game. Their seemingly overwhelmed offense finally got into field goal range, just to miss from 32 yards out. UC’s dominant first half completely wiped the confidence from Houston.

Aside from their first drive, every Cincinnati possession in the first half resulted in points.

Leading 24-0 at the half, UC had already tired out their opponent with constant defensive pressure and relentless scoring drives. The second half began with a solid Houston drive down the field. At the 30-yard line, Cougars running back Re’Shaun Sanford II ran for 20 yards and fumbled the ball. Similar to the first quarter, Houston’s first drive of the half resulted in a turnover, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Cincinnati wide receiver Sterling Berkhalter made his mark with a 47-yard reception in tight coverage to put the offense in the red zone. Berkhalter had a few other good plays throughout the game, but this catch put him on the map. Sorsby finished off the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run, relentlessly crushing the spirit of Houston early in the half.

Sorsby has proved to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season. He has no interceptions, eight touchdowns, and a commanding presence when he’s on the field, finally filling the quarterback void Desmond Ridder left when he was drafted into the NFL.

The defense continued to have every aspect of the Cougar offense covered, only allowing 12 first downs, forcing multiple turnovers on downs, and punts to finish the game.

This game was exemplary. Everything that needed to be fixed in prior games was undoubtedly drilled into the team’s heads. New players were the faces of big plays, and it seemed that everyone had a sense of responsibility just to keep moving forward. The basic plays were executed with precision, which made the explosive runs, long receptions, and exceptional defensive plays even more exciting.  Every opportunity was seized, momentum was ridden, and the Bearcats continued to improve on all fronts.

As I said last week, UC’s win over Miami was the perfect situation to propel them into confident conference play. Ideally, this streak of wins and confidence can extend to UC’s night game showdown against Texas Tech in AT&T Stadium.

Charlie Jaeb heads up Bearcat Football coverage for Cincinnati Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @CharlieJaeb .

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