In a thrilling showdown between the Cincinnati Bearcats and TCU Horned Frogs, the Bearcats’ late surge fell just short as they lost a hard-fought game, 24-17. Despite a strong push in the final minutes, Cincinnati couldn’t complete the comeback and suffered their third consecutive loss.
The game began with TCU taking control early, showcasing their dynamic offense and solid defense. The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, capitalizing on key plays from quarterback Chandler Morris, who threw for over 200 yards and led the team efficiently. Cincinnati struggled to find rhythm offensively, with their passing game faltering and their ground attack unable to break through TCU’s stout defensive front.
However, Cincinnati showed resilience in the second half. Quarterback Emory Jones, who had faced pressure for most of the game, began to find his footing, connecting with wide receiver Xzavier Henderson for several big plays. The Bearcats’ defense, which had been gashed early, tightened up, forcing multiple turnovers and holding TCU to just a field goal in the second half.
With the score 24-10 in favor of TCU with under three minutes left, the Bearcats mounted a fast-paced drive, aided by key catches from Henderson and running back Corey Kiner. Jones capped off the drive with a touchdown pass to tight end Leonard Taylor, bringing the Bearcats within one score.
The Bearcats had one final chance to tie the game after a failed onside kick recovery, but TCU’s defense held firm in the closing moments. Despite Cincinnati’s best efforts, time ran out, and the Horned Frogs secured the victory.
The loss was a tough one for the Bearcats, who showed promise late in the game but were ultimately undone by an inability to execute early on. Cincinnati will need to find consistency on both sides of the ball as they head into their next matchup, while TCU remains a strong contender in the Big 12 race.