Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby passed for 241 yards, including a crucial four-yard touchdown to Tony Johnson late in the fourth quarter. Jared Bartlett made a game-ending sack on the final play, helping the Bearcats secure a 19-13 victory over their conference rival UCF.
Cincinnati’s defense effectively shut down UCF’s typically high-scoring offense throughout the game. The Knights did not outgain the Bearcats in total yards until their last possession, moving from their own 19-yard line to the Bearcats’ 25.
With just three seconds left, quarterback Jacurri Brown couldn’t escape the pressure, and Bartlett recorded Cincinnati’s fourth sack as time ran out.
“It’s a whatever it takes mentality,” Johnson said. “Sorsby talked to us going into the fourth quarter and told us we need to finish this game. No matter what it takes, we need to win this game.”
The win was hard-fought for Cincinnati due to an inconsistent offensive performance.
The Bearcats dug themselves into a hole with two early interceptions in UCF territory. However, Sorsby and the offense settled down late in the first quarter, staying in front while the defense kept the Knights scoreless.
Sorsby completed 25 of 38 passes for 241 yards, including 12 of 13 for 120 yards in the second half, which helped maintain the lead against UCF.
“The message was we’re not leaving until we get the win,” Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said. “We’re not leaving until the job is done. We took it to the very last play. It was not pretty, but I am proud of our guys because we didn’t play our best and still managed to win on the road, which is huge for their confidence.”
UCF is now on a three-game losing streak, marking the second consecutive season they have faced a stretch of three or more losses. The Knights are searching for answers after struggling to score again.
Cincinnati’s defense limited UCF’s strong rushing attack to 196 yards, including holding star running back RJ Harvey to 94 yards on 17 carries.
