A look back at the plays that shaped UC’s 13-0 season

I’ve included hyperlinks and the timecode for each play.

Game 1: Miami (OH) (:20 second mark) Desmond Ridder 81-yard TD pass to Tyler Scott (7-0 Cincinnati with 14:15 left in the first quarter)

Well that’s one way to start a season. A terrific throw by Ridder to Scott. Scott had a breakout sophomore season and this was a great way to quiet the “Ridder is erratic with the deep ball crowd.” Easy pitch and catch. An easy score for an easy first win.

Game 2: Murray State (8:52 mark) Desmond Ridder 48-yard completion to Tre Tucker (28-7 Cincinnati with 12:11 left in the game)

Let me preface this by saying this game sucked. It was a slow start and pickings were slim, but this was a great catch by Tre Tucker. We were used to seeing Tucker as a return man/gadget player, but this play showcased his ability as a receiver. It was a great year for #7, and I expect his role to grow larger next season.

Game 3: Indiana (2:10 mark) Deshawn Pace Interception (30-24 Cincinnati with 3:31 left in the game

It was a slow start for Cincinnati but when the chips were down the Bearcats defense stepped up. Indiana QB Michael Penix made the cardinal sin of throwing across his body and, Pace jumped all over it. The interception put the game on ice, and it was just the start of a terrific season for Pace. Pace was a playmaker this season on an already loaded defense.

Game 4: Notre Dame (1:43 mark) Desmond Ridder 6-yard TD run (24-13 Cincinnati with 5:08 left in the game)

I could’ve gone in so many different directions, but this was the nail in the coffin of a program-defining win for Cincinnati. Ridder’s silencing of the crowd was the chef’s kiss. The win that thrust Cincinnati into the College Football Playoff Discussion, the sea of red in Notre Dame stadium, the chants of “Let’s go Bearcats” drowning out the Notre Dame faithful. It was a glorious day to be a Cincinnati Sports fan.

Game 5: Temple (4:24 mark) Jerome Ford 75-yard TD run (24-3 Cincinnati with 14:50 left in the third quarter)

There’s not much to say here. Temple sucked. This play from Ford gave life to a Cincinnati offense that had been struggling. Thanks for coming out, Temple.

Game 6: UCF (1:23 mark) Desmond Ridder 19-yard TD pass to Alec Pierce (21-0 Cincinnati with 7:40 left in the second quarter)

How does one not get romantic about Alec Pierce? A great catch by Pierce in the back left corner of the endzone and a well-placed ball by Ridder. UCF never stood a chance in this game. UC won by 35 and it didn’t feel that close.

Game 7: Navy (5:04 mark) Deshawn Pace Blocked FG (10-10 with :01 left in first half)

This game was way closer than it needed to be. I have to show Pace some more love. This play led to a 52-yard field goal make from Alex Bales. Blocking punts and field goals has become the norm over the past few seasons. Shout-out to special teams coordinator Brian Mason for having one of the best special teams units in the country.

Game 8: Tulane (00:50 mark) Desmond Ridder 37-yard pass to Alex Pierce (0-0 with 7:22 left in first quarter)

This wasn’t a game filled with highlights for Cincinnati. It was just an awesome catch by Pierce. He made an extension to corral the ball and somehow got a foot down. It was one of many “how the hell did he catch that?” plays from AP this year.

Game 9: Tulsa (9:26 mark) Steven Anderson fumbles at the goal line (28-20 Cincinnati with 00:36 left in the game)

Who said an opponent’s miscue couldn’t be my favorite play? It’s a game of inches, and it came down to inches. A wild ending preceded by basically a fumbled kneel down from UC. It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t always have to be this season. Just win.

Game 10: USF (6:35 mark) Ethan Wright 1-yard TD run (38-21 Cincinnati with 14:00 left in the game)

I have to give some love to Ethan Wright, who filled in quite well for the injured Jerome Ford. On a play that looked like an an assured loss of three, Wright bounced off a tackler at the five and shook off another tackler at the two, and fought his way across the goal line. I’m excited to see more of this from Wright over the next few years.

Game 11: SMU (2:30 mark) Desmond Ridder 40-yard Rushing TD (20-0 Cincinnati with 13:37 left in second quarter)

The SMU game was a blast to attend. A bludgeoning from the start. A 4th and 1 read option from #9 will work more often than not. Ridder almost stumbled short of the first down, but he regained his balance and ran to the house untouched. I can’t believe I felt nervous coming into this game.

Game 12: East Carolina (6:50 mark) Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner 60-yard TD return on blocked field goal (28-6 Cincinnati with 11:17 left in the game)

Another blocked kick because why not? It’s great to see the best cornerback in college football get in on the special teams fun. Shoutout to Arquon Bush for blocking the kick, which led to an easy scoop and score for Sauce. This play solidified another perfect regular season for Cincinnati.

Game 13: Houston Joel Dublanko Interception (Cincinnati 21-13 with 11:45 left in the third quarter)

There are so many plays and moments to choose from, but this is the play that seemed to turn the tide. Houston played well first half and Cincinnati needed to respond. It was a hell of a response by a sixth-year senior that has played a huge role in turning this program around. Dublanko had some monster games this year, and he obviously stood out in this game. I know I won’t forget the significance of this play in what was the biggest win in school history (so far).