CINCINNATI — The UC Bearcats kicked off the season with a 38-20 victory Saturday against the Towson Tigers.
The Bearcats opened the game strong with a touchdown off their first drive in Nippert Stadium.
7 plays, 75 yards on the opening drive — And a Brendan Sorsby keeper for a TD on Cincinnati’s season-opening drive.
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) August 31, 2024
7-0 Bearcats. pic.twitter.com/NBN2Sxp9W0
In his debut with the Bearcats, Brendan Sorsby, a third-year transfer from Indiana, threw 22 for 31 for 383 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as 2 rushing touchdowns. Sorsby had multiple deep touchdown passes, including a 42-yard pass to Xzavier Henderson and a 61-yard pass to Sterling Berkhalter early in the game.
Touchdown Cincinnati!
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) August 31, 2024
Another deep TD pass for Brendan Sorsby.
This one was 61 yards to a WIDE OPEN Sterling Berkhalter.
Closest defender was 15 yards away when the ball was in the air.
21-3 Bearcats.
3:13 1Q pic.twitter.com/4OudgS3wty
Despite the solid performance from Sorsby, the Bearcats had some miscues on defense and special teams. Early in the game, Cincinnati had a botched punt return catch that was recovered by Towson, allowing them to take over at the Cincinnati 20-yard line and get their first points of the day.
The game, which was UC's 23rd straight home opener win, was Cincinnati's first of three nonconference games before the Bearcats begin Big 12 play on Sept. 21 against Houston. Saturday's win, alongside the next two games, are giving the Bearcats some time to work out any kinks before they face conference opponents.
UC is hoping to fare better in the Big 12 — which added four more teams this year for a total of 16 — after they ended the season 3-9 overall and 1-8 in the conference last year.
Cincinnati faces Pittsburgh next week at Nippert Stadium.
