Brendan Sorsby threw for 206 yards and ran for two touchdowns, while Corey Kiner added 102 rushing yards, helping Cincinnati score 24 points in a row during the first half of their 24-14 win over Arizona State on Saturday.
Cincinnati (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) took control in the first half after Arizona State scored a quick touchdown on their opening drive, covering 66 yards. The Bearcats then forced the Sun Devils to punt three times and stopped them on downs twice before halftime.
“We keep getting more comfortable playing our defense,” said Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield. “It’s a new scheme. You got guys, players in new positions, and they’re really coming through understanding what we’re trying to do.”
Safety Antwan Peek Jr. forced a fumble on Arizona State’s second possession. Sorsby ran 14 yards two plays later to tie the game at 7 and start Cincinnati’s scoring streak.
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, who was fifth in the nation with 773 rushing yards before Saturday, was limited to 75 yards on 17 carries for Arizona State (5-2, 2-2). His two touchdowns kept the Sun Devils within reach in the second half, but Ian Hershey missed two field goals in the fourth quarter, which stopped them from closing the gap to a one-score game.
“Our offense struggled due to lack of physicality and scheme issues,” said Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham. “We got beat and outcoached.”
