UC Bearcats secure first Big 12 win of the season, shut out Houston 34-0

CINCINNATI — The UC Bearcats have won their first Big 12 victory in Nippert Stadium.

The Bearcats (3-1) shut out the Houston Cougars (1-3) 34-0 on Saturday. The Cougars were the first Power Four team to be shut out this season.

The Bearcats came out swinging on both offense and defense.

Quarterback Brendan Sorsby was electric against Houston, throwing 12-for-15 for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Sorsby connected with Xzavier Henderson for both of those touchdowns. Sorsby also ran in his own touchdown in the third quarter.

Sorsby's day ended early as Brady Lichtenberg took over early in the fourth quarter.

Running back Corey Kiner also had an impressive day, running 16 carries for 78 yards and one touchdown, which saw Kiner rush an impressive 44 yards into the end zone.

Cincinnati's defense also stepped up, forcing multiple turnovers and an interception.

During Houston's first drive of the game, Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith was intercepted by Cincinnati safety Josh Minkins. Safety Trevon Gola-Callard also recovered a fumbled ball by Houston's Re'Shaun Sanford II. Both turnover plays led to touchdowns for the Bearcats.

The Bearcats and Cougars have competed against each other in several conferences, and Saturday's win was the fifth straight Bearcats win over the Cougars since October 2019.

The Bearcats hit the road next to take on their next Big 12 opponent, Texas Tech, Saturday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is TBD.