Cincinnati still unbeaten, topples East Carolina 35-13

GREENVILLE, N.C. — No. 4 Cincinnati looked comfortable playing its first game in playoff position.

The Bearcats handled business in their final road game of the

season Friday, beating East Carolina 35-13 in a quest to maintain a

spot among the top four in the College Football Playoff rankings.

“We knew there were more things at

stake,” coach Luke Fickell said. “It’s great when you have a mature group that you don’t have to go over

every little thing. You trust that they’re enjoying it, but they have to understand that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Desmond Ridder threw two touchdown

passes and Cincinnati (12-0, 8-0 American Athletic Conference, CFP No. 4) completed a perfect regular season. The Bearcats are trying to become the first team outside of a Power Five conference to compete in the fourteam CFP.

“We got another one and we have to finish strong,” Ridder said.

They’ll be at home when facing Houston

next week in the AAC title game.

“Put yourselves in position to play for championships, a lot of other things can happen,” Fickell said.

Defense and special teams helped put the game away for Cincinnati. Arquon Bush blocked a field goal and Ahmad Gardner returned the ball 60 yards for a fourthquarter touchdown to make it 28-6.

“We always get the job done,” Bush said.

Less than four minutes later, Darrian Beavers intercepted a pass at the 7:27 mark, but the ensuing possession resulted in Cincinnati’s second

turnover inside the East Carolina 5-yard line.

The Bearcats had four trips into East Carolina territory that

resulted in no points, which let ECU hang around, but never really threaten.