SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS vs CINCINNATI BEARCATS
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Nippert Stadium 11/10/18 Cincinnati, OH.
Photos By: Toby Clark
On a chilly Saturday night, the 25th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats defeated South Florida Bulls 35-23, keeping their hopes alive for the American Athletic Conference (AAC) title. Michael Warren II, the running back who Coach Luke Fickell describes as "built for November," had an outstanding game, scoring four touchdowns, including three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Warren's performance helped the Bearcats improve their record to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference, keeping them one game behind undefeated UCF for the AAC East lead. The Bearcats are relying on Warren's versatility and ability to deliver in important games, and he didn't disappoint.
"I don't know what to say about him," Fickell said. "Sometimes you're not sure he's going to be able to continue doing what he's done. His ability to do everything is what makes him special."
The game was significant for Warren as he set a school record with his 18th touchdown of the season, surpassing David Small's record from 1993. Warren's impressive season has seen him score in all but one game this year.
South Florida, who have lost three straight conference games for the first time since 2013, struggled against Cincinnati's stingiest defense in the league. Bulls' quarterback Blake Barnett was ruled out due to a shoulder injury, and his backup quarterbacks, Chris Oladokun and Brett Kean, could only muster a few big plays but were otherwise ineffective.
Cincinnati's next game is a crucial one against UCF, who they play on the road next Saturday. South Florida will play at Temple.
Notably, about 20 South Florida players warmed up shirtless in the sub-freezing temperatures, some wearing facemasks, while a dozen Bearcats also went topless during warmups. It was the Bulls' first game in sub-40-degree temperatures since 2013. Additionally, Mitch Wilcox set a school record for most yards receiving by a tight end in a season with his diving touchdown catch, and Cincinnati lost to UCF 51-23 last year at Nippert Stadium in a game shortened by storms.
Review By: Todd Clark
SCORING SUMMARY
FIRST QUARTER
12:54 USF - Ryshen Bronson 72 yd pass from Chris Oladokun (Coby Weiss kick blocked), 2 plays, 73 yards
09:09 CIN - Kahlil Lewis 8 yd pass from Desmond Ridder (Cole Smith kick), 3 plays, 9 yards
07:00 USF - Coby Weiss 37 yd field goal 6 plays, 14 yards
SECOND QUARTER
13:45 CIN - Michael Warren II 13 yd pass from Desmond Ridder (Cole Smith kick), 8 plays, 60 yards
11:34 USF - Mitch Wilcox 38 yd pass from Brett Kean (Coby Weiss kick), 6 plays, 75 yards
THIRD QUARTER
10:34 CIN - Michael Warren II 57 yd run (Cole Smith kick), 6 plays, 78 yards
05:47 CIN - Michael Warren II 1 yd run (Cole Smith kick), 4 plays, 37 yards
02:06 USF - Tyre McCants 25 yd pass from Chris Oladokun (Coby Weiss kick), 10 plays, 73 yards
00:36 CIN - Michael Warren II 1 yd run (Cole Smith kick), 4 plays, 77 yards