Grades for Cincinnati Bearcats after loss to No. 17 Houston
· Yahoo Sports
HOUSTON – November continues to be a mystery for the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Big 12 as No. 17 Houston held off UC for a 31-24 Homecoming win in front of 32,372 fans at TDECU Stadium.
The game took its toll on the Bearcats who lost both top rusher Cole Tabb and top receiver JV Gibson to injury. Gibson was down 16 minutes after a head injury and was transported off the field to Hermann Medical Center.
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Houston's Conner Weigman was 17-for-24 for two touchdowns and 227 yards while Re'Shaun Sanford II ran for 126 yards. UC's JC French IV was 19-for-30 for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Gi'Bran Payne led the rushing with 71 yards and Cole Tabb had 60 yards before leaving the game injured.
Houston outgained UC with 468 yards to 379.
Since joining the league and winning in Houston in 2023, the Bearcats are now 1-12 in the 11th month of the year.
UC drops to 5-4 (2-4 Big 12) and is still in seek of a win that would make them bowl-eligible for the second straight season. No. 17 Houston advances to 7-2 (4-2 Big 12). Since joining the Big 12, UC is 2-6 against ranked teams.The Bearcats remain winless on the road with another travel date at Ames against Iowa State on Nov. 14. That kickoff time should be announced Sunday, Nov. 8.
Here are grades from Cincinnati Bearcats vs. No. 17 Houston Cougars
Offense: C
UC's first possession was a three-and-out. After getting down 14-0, they were able to close the game to 14-10. In the second half, they cut the deficit to 21-17 and tied the game with 6:59 left
Defense: C
Houston's Weigman had the Cougars up 14-0 before UC could get anything going offensively. Later, the defense had a key fourth-down stop and held Houston to a field goal. Second-half effort far exceeded the opening quarters. But, Re'Shaun Sanford's 51-yard fourth-quarter run iced the game.
Special Teams: C
Max Lemasters had a 28-yard kickoff that went out of bounds. Stephen Rusnak did connect on a 28-yard field goal. It wasn't Max Fletcher's best day punting, but he was kicking for field position, not distance. Zylen Perry did have a 40-yard kickoff return to start the second half.
The Bearcats are back on the road next Saturday, Nov. 14 at Iowa State. The Cyclones lost at Baylor No. 7, 42-31 and are 4-5.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Grades for Cincinnati Bearcats after loss to No. 17 Houston