The Cincinnati vs Arizona matchup turned into a one-sided battle as the Arizona Wildcats overwhelmed the Cincinnati Bearcats 34-7 on Saturday night at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson.
Arizona controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game, shutting down Cincinnati’s normally productive rushing attack while quarterback Noah Fifita made enough plays through the air and with his legs to keep the Wildcats in control.
Arizona Pulls Away From Cincinnati
The Arizona Wildcats football team improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play after dominating Cincinnati in front of 43,760 fans.
Arizona outgained Cincinnati 533-227 and held a massive 238-74 advantage in rushing yards. The Wildcats also limited a Cincinnati offense that had been averaging more than 40 points per game entering the contest.
For the Cincinnati Bearcats football team, it was their first loss of the season. Cincinnati fell to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12.
Arizona also won its second consecutive game against Cincinnati.
Noah Fifita Leads Arizona’s Offense
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita delivered another strong performance, completing 25 of 37 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns.
Although Cincinnati managed to intercept Fifita, the quarterback repeatedly escaped pressure and extended plays outside the pocket. His ability to keep plays alive became one of the major differences in the game.
Arizona running backs Antwan Roberts and Quincy Craig also played key roles. Roberts finished with 87 rushing yards, while Craig added 77 yards. Both players individually surpassed Cincinnati’s entire rushing output.
Cincinnati safety Jasper Beeler led the Bearcats with 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss.
Cincinnati Struggles to Run the Football
The biggest story of the Cincinnati vs Arizona game was Arizona’s success against the Bearcats’ rushing attack.
Cincinnati entered the contest averaging approximately 270 rushing yards per game after dominating opponents on the ground during its first four games. Arizona’s defense, ranked No. 13 nationally against the run, completely changed that equation.
JC French led Cincinnati with only 29 rushing yards. Gi’Bran Payne managed 24 yards, while Cole Tabb finished with 19.
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said his defense understood exactly what Cincinnati wanted to do.
The Wildcats not only stopped the run but also consistently pressured French, sacking him three times.
Bearcats Missed Early Opportunities
Cincinnati had chances to make the game much closer before halftime but failed to capitalize.
After MJ Cannon intercepted Fifita in the first quarter, Cincinnati took possession at the Arizona 35-yard line. However, French was sacked and the Bearcats eventually attempted a 53-yard field goal. Stephen Rusnak’s kick hit the crossbar.
Cincinnati later produced a 14-play, 86-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes. But the Bearcats failed to score from Arizona’s 2-yard line on fourth down when French’s pass intended for tight end Gavin Grover was ruled incomplete.
Instead of potentially entering halftime tied, Cincinnati went into the break trailing 10-0.
Arizona’s Defense Sets the Tone
Arizona’s defense consistently forced Cincinnati out of its comfort zone.
The Bearcats struggled to protect French, while their running backs rarely found room to operate. Cincinnati’s offensive line, which had received plenty of attention entering the season, was unable to handle Arizona’s defensive front.
French completed 16 of 29 passes for 153 yards and was sacked three times.
Cincinnati finally found the end zone shortly after the two-minute warning when French ran for a touchdown. The score prevented Arizona from recording its first shutout since 2009.
Still, the late touchdown did little to change the outcome.
Cincinnati’s Mountain Time Zone Problem
The loss also continued an unusual trend for Cincinnati.
The Bearcats are now 0-4 in games played in the Mountain Time Zone since joining the Big 12. The late-night road environment in Tucson proved difficult, although Cincinnati’s problems extended well beyond the time difference.
Arizona dominated physically, especially in the trenches, and Cincinnati never established the offensive rhythm that had defined its first four games.
What’s Next for Cincinnati and Arizona?
Cincinnati now enters its bye week after playing five consecutive weekends. The Bearcats will use the break to regroup before returning to action against West Virginia.
Arizona, meanwhile, heads to Morgantown to face West Virginia on Oct. 10. The Wildcats will have their own challenge adjusting to an early kickoff and a trip east.
The Cincinnati Bearcats football team leaves Tucson with plenty to correct, particularly along the offensive line and in the running game. For the Arizona Wildcats football team, the 34-7 victory provides a major statement in the Big 12.
Cincinnati vs Arizona Final Score
Arizona 34, Cincinnati 7
Arizona controlled the game from the line of scrimmage, limiting Cincinnati to 227 total yards while producing 533 yards of offense. The Wildcats’ defense neutralized the Bearcats’ rushing attack, while Fifita and Arizona’s running game created enough big plays to secure a convincing victory.
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