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Wrapping Up SMU
UC holds off SMU's late rally, wins 28-25 || Cincinnati.com
UC rushed for just 16 yards in the first half, then rushed for 147 yards after halftime. "It’s really a testament to our O-line," Kay said. "I told them in the second half, ‘We’re on your back.’ They really took that personally and they got the job done."
With recovery underway, Barr on-field with UC || Cincinnati.com
Barr, wearing his jersey No. 5, walked hand-in-hand with fellow game captain Greg Blair to midfield. It was Barr’s first appearance at Nippert Stadium since the Sept. 21 auto accident that killed UC freshman offensive lineman Ben Flick.
Cincinnati 28, SMU 25: Bearcats Excel On Both Sides To Claim Victory || Cincy on the Prowl
In the end, Cincinnati was tested against an offense that is capable of scoring several touchdowns per game and came out on top. That was one of the biggest question marks heading into this game. The last time they faced an offensive of this caliber (Illinois), the Bearcats were torched to the tune of 45 points. The fact that UC held a similarly dangerous offense today to just 25 points is very, very encouraging as Cincinnati heads into the most critical portion of their schedule.
Well, not that encouraging.
Bearcats Keep Rolling, Beat SMU 28-25 || Bearcats Blog
The defense had some issues. They gave up 451 yards to the Mustangs. Garrett Gilbert was 38-47 for 403 yards and 2 scores. He also ran for a score. He picked apart the UC defense all day long. It wouldn't be surprising if he was drafted.
But that is 38 yards under their season average, so that's something.
The Mustangs should beat Uconn and South Florida over the next two weeks, which should get them to 5-5. But if SMU wants to get back to a bowl game this year, it will have to upset either Houston or UCF later this season. In order to become bowl eligible, this team must win six games.
Looking Ahead To N.C. State
ACC visitor NC State up next for Bearcats || Cincinnati.com
The Wolfpack, from the Atlantic Coast Conference, will be the first team from what is now a BCS conference to play at Fifth Third in November since UC lost to Arizona State at home on Nov. 21, 1997.
That seems excessive.
Big Second Half Leads NC State Past Appalachian State, 98-77 || Backing The Pack
Then NC State scored 31 points over the first eight minutes of the second half to put the game away. The Wolfpack led by 27 with 11:46 remaining thanks to that incredible outburst of scoring, and from there it was all academic, no matter how angry Jason Capel decided he felt about any given thing that happened. This isn't the best N.C. State team of recent seasons, but this is still a good team that will give the Bearcats a lot of problems, even though the game is in the friendly confines of Fifth Third Arena.
As redshirt decision lingers, Morman sits out for UC || Cincinnati.com
UC coach Mick Cronin said Morman didn’t play because he’s trying to decide if he will redshirt this year, which apparently is Cronin’s recommendation. "He and I are talking about it," Cronin said. "He knows how I feel, but it’s his decision."
Not entirely sure what I think about this. It seemed that Morman was the most athletically prepared of the freshmen, but there is no denying that he is raw.
More from Down The Drive:
- Gallery: Cincinnati Bearcats 28 SMU Mustangs 25
- Cincinnati 28 SMU 25; Box Score Breakdown
- Student Section Makes The Leap From Kinda Funny To Completely Embarassing
- Cincinnati Bearcats 28, SMU 25; UC Moves To 7-2
- Staff Picks; Bearcats and Mustangs