Kickoff Time Set for UC’s Matchup with ECU

Even if their recent performances has not warranted a prime-time slot, the Cincinnati Bearcats will play their next game under the bright lights of Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats are on a bye this week but they will return to play during Homecoming weekend on Oct. 22 with a 7 p.m. kickoff against the East Carolina Pirates.

Interestingly enough, ECU is the last American Athletic Conference team that UC defeated, as a last-second field goal from Andrew Gantz gave the Bearcats a 19-16 road victory against the Pirates in the final game of the 2015 regular season.

Since then UC is 3-4, including 3-3 start to the 2016 campaign. The team’s current record has been been roughed up by three-straight losses to AAC foes. The most recent, a 20-9 snoozer against UConn, was the toughest to swallow and makes a return to Nippert Stadium, even in the midst of a Homecoming celebratory atmosphere, one that may not be the joyous occasion it has been in year’s past.

UC will play at least five more games before the season ends, but kickoff times for the matchups at Temple, BYU, at UCF and at Tulsa have yet to be announced. The Bearcats test against AAC darkhorse contender Memphis, scheduled for Nov. 18, is slated for an 8 p.m. start.