Week 1 Final: Cincinnati 38 Towson 20
The Bearcats returned to action Saturday afternoon for year two of the Scott Satterfield era.
With all five offensive linemen returning, along with 1,000 yard rusher Corey Kiner, there was excitement and optimism all off-season that the Bearcats would be improved offensively if they could get consistent quarterback play.
Enter redshirt-sophomore Indiana transfer Brendan Sorsby.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton)
Sorsby won the quarterback battle during fall camp against Brady Lichtenberg and freshman Samaj Jones and wouldn't take long to showcase what he is capable of in this Cincinnati offense.
On the first series of the game, Sorsby completed all four of his passing attempts for 65 yards, including a 49-yard throw and catch to Aaron Turner, to set the Cats' up at the Towson 12 yard line.
Two plays later, Sorsby called his own number for a two-yard touchdown scamper to cap off a seven-play, 75 yard drive that spanned 3:43.
Efficient.
Jared Bartlett sacked Towson quarterback Nathan Kent on the first play of Towson's series, leading to an eventual 3-and-out.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton)
A muffed punt by freshman walk on Michael Mussari at the Bearcats' own 20 yard line would prevent the Bearcats from taking advantage of a quick defensive stand.
Towson was able to take advantage of the short field and connect on a 32-yard field goal attempt to cut the Bearcats' lead to 7-3 at the 8:03 mark.
Sorsby and the offense responded with a quick answer.
On the second play of the ensuing drive, Sorsby found tight end Joe Royer across the middle for a 21 yard gain. Two plays later, Xzavier Henderson hauled in a 42 yard pass attempt for a touchdown to put Cincinnati ahead 14-3.
4 plays, 65 yards, 1:03 off the clock.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton)
Sorsby stayed hot during the next offensive series, connecting with Sterling Berkhalter for a 61 yard touchdown score on the third play of the drive.
The 75 yard drive scoring drive took just 1:23 off the clock. Tight end Joe Royer hurdled a defender for a first down pick up during the play prior to Berkhalter's score.
After one quarter of play, Sorsby was 8-of-9 for 200 yards and three touchdowns as the Bearcats led 21-3.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton)
Towson began the second quarter with a stalled drive at the UC two-yard line but would cut the Bearcats' lead to 21-10 at the 9:54 mark.
Facing a 3rd-and-4 from their own 24, Carlos Davis connected with Jaceon Doss on a quick slant for a 76 yard touchdown. The score came after Mason Fletcher boomed a beautiful punt to pin Towson at their own 4-yard line.
Sorsby and the offense answered the Towson scoring drive with a five-play 63 yard scoring drive of their own.
Sorsby connected with Henderson for an 18-yard gain and on the next play, found Joe Royer on a tight end screen for a 38-yard catch and run.
After taking a sack, Sorsby took a quarterback draw 12 yards into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the game.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton)
Cincinnati had the opportunity to extend their lead to 31-10 on the next drive but kicker Carter Brown missed a 31-yard attempt.
Towson took advantage and marched 80 yards in 8 plays to cut the UC lead to 28-17 with :19 seconds remaining in the half.
The 28-yard touchdown score from Davis to John Dunmore for the Tigers gave them 295 total yards for the first half. Through the air, Towson was averaging 19.2 yards per completion.
With the secondary struggling to defend the pass, and the defensive line struggling to get consistent pressure on passing downs, halftime was an unpleasant reminder of some of the previous season's struggles.
Towson opened the second half with at 12-play, 59-yard drive over 4:50 that ended with a 33-yard field goal to cut the Bearcats' lead to 28-20.
UC had an opportunity to force a 3-and-out and re-gain some momentum but Cam Roetherford was called for a roughing the passer penalty on an incomplete pass to extend the Towson drive.
Cincinnati's offense would once again respond with a quick answer.
Carrying the ball for the first time as a Bearcat, running back Evan Pryor took a handoff off tackle for a 64-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 35-20 with 9:52 remaining in the third quarter.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton)
Carter Brown extended the UC lead to 38-20 on the next Bearcat possession with a 36-yard field goal.
The field goal attempt was the result of an 11 play, 63-yard drive over 3:41.
Cincinnati missed another scoring opportunity to begin the fourth quarter when Victor Dawson fumbled at the Towson 12-yard line after a 47-yard gain.
Both teams struggled to get anything going offensively in the final quarter, as both teams were held scoreless.
The Bear ats marched to the Towson 7 yard line on their final possession but eiected to take a knee and walk off the field with a 38-20 victory.
Final Stats:
- Brendan Sorsby made a successful debut under center, finishing the game 22-for-31 for 383 yards and two touchdowns.
- Wide Receiver Xzavier Henderson led the receiving group with 7 catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown.
- Tight End Joe Royer was impressive in the passing game, hauling in 5 catches for 89 yards.
- Running back Evan Pryor made the most of his touches, totaling 105 yards on just four carries. Pryor added a 32 yard gain to his total late in the game after his 64 yard touchdown on his first carry as a Bearcat.
- Corey Kiner was somewhat limited, but managed to finish with 51 yards on 7 carries.
- Antwan Peek Jr and Jared Bartlett tied for team-high in tackles with 6, each.
- Cincinnati's offense tallied 658 yards and 38 first downs but the defense was gashed for 425 yards. Towson consistently moved the ball through the air, averaging 11.8 yards per completion.
Up Next:
Saturday September 7th v Pitt - Noon