Bearcats Get Bowl Eligible! Hit Tulane with a Homecoming Day Hadouken, 37-21

Living easy.

Living free.

Desmond Ridder’s on a one way ride.

The Cincinnati Bearcats’ starting quarterback is emerging as one of college football’s most dynamic signal callers.

He is also transforming the Bearcats into an AAC power and a team worthy of a top 25 ranking.

By air and land, Ridder has helped Cincinnati secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2015.

The Bearcats improved to 6-0 this afternoon, overpowering a well-coached and incredibly fast Tulane team on Homecoming Day at Nippert Stadium, 37-21.

As rumors swirl that Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell may be on the move to a Big Ten program after this season, Cincinnati proved just why his stock is on the rise.

In an attack led by Fickell recruit Ridder, the Bearcats traded body blows for much of the first half with the Green Wave before taking control late in the second quarter.

With 41 seconds remaining in the first half, Ridder cut loose for a 28 yard touchdown scamper, increasing Cincinnati’s lead to 24-14.

Just two minutes earlier, Tulane had cut Cincinnati’s advantage to 17-14. Tulane return man Amare Jones exploded for a 69 yard kickoff return which set up a 19 yard touchdown run by Darius Bradwell.

Cincinnati’s score right before the half put out the flame that Tulane’s track-star caliber skill position players had sparked.

The Ridder touchdown proved to be the Hadouken that won the game. He is our Ryu. He is our Ken. If Desmond can’t do it, nobody can.

Cincinnati put its foot on the gas during the second half, expanding its lead to 37-14 early in the fourth quarter before surrendering a late touchdown to Tulane which cut the final margin to 37-21.

Ridder posted 88 yards rushing on 16 carries with a touchdown. He completed 15 of 25 passing attempts for 174 yards and two touchdowns against one interception.

Michael Warren II led the Bearcats in rushing with 130 yards on 18 carries, 81 of which came on an early second quarter touchdown rumble.

Take a breath, everybody. Your undefeated, bowl-eligible Cincinnati Bearcats have a bye next week.

They head to Philadelphia in two Saturdays for an AAC rumble with the Temple Owls, who are a tough, experienced team. Head back to Down the Drive every single day this week and next for a full preview of this contest.