#59 Air Force – 0
#6 Cincinnati – 7
CINCINNATI - Blue once again failed to find the rhythm on offense, but it didn't matter as #6 Cincinnati shut out #59 Air Force, 7-0. Cincinnati's only score came on a 6-yard TD reception by WR D.J. Woods halfway through the second quarter.
The Falcon defense was all over QB Tony Pike and the Bearcats, holding them to 6 for 19 passing and -9 yards rushing on 10 carries. The muddy-jerseyed Pike seemed to be limping after the game, as Air Force was in the backfield forcing bad passes and blowing up runs all game long. DE Ben Garland led the way with two sacks.
The Falcon secondary also came up big, forcing several drops and stopping WR Mardy Gilyard short of the goal line after a long reception to end the first half. That was one of just four Cincinnati first downs on the day, and one of three tackles by Junior CB Reggie Rembert. Rembert also had Air Force's only interception.
As good as Air Force's D was, Cincinnati's was better. The Bearcats piled up seven sacks, eleven tackles for loss, and four interceptions in the win. They also forced three fumbles, recovering one. The Falcons were held to 2-7 on third down and stopped on three critical fourth downs, including a 4th and inches early in the second quarter.
Still, Air Force had several chances to get on the scoreboard. Their best drive of the day ended when MLB Andre Revels picked off QB Tim Jefferson on second and goal from the Cincinnati nine yard line with 1:25 left in the game. The Falcons then forced a quick three and out, needing only one of their timeouts, but Freshman CB Chris Williams sealed the victory with an interception with 25 seconds remaining, his second of the game.
Cincinnati's next game will be ripe with headlines, as they will face #38 Notre Dame for a trip to the Sweet 16.
No comments:
Post a Comment