Bearcats stay unbeaten, face Houston for crown
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 four-team CFP.
“We got another one and we have to finish strong,” Ridder said.
They’ll be at home when facing Houston on Saturday 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 fourth-quarter touchdown to make it 28-6.
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.
East Carolina (7-5, 5-3) had a fourgame winning streak snapped.
“You see why they’re in contention for a national championship,” East Carolina coach Mike Houston said of the Bearcats. “I thought our kids played really, really hard. I thought they did many things well. … For our young players, it’s a great learning experience.”
Ridder finished 17-for-28 for 301 yards with two interceptions. Alec Pierce caught eight passes for 136 yards. Jerome Ford rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown.