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Cincinnati went on the road in the Big East and dominated Temple for a 34-10 win. The Bearcats are now 7-2 and 3-1 in the Big East, with Rutgers coming to town next week for a critical conference game.
The Bearcats were led by quarterback Brendon Kay, a fifth-year senior who was making his first career start under center. Kay was impressive both through the air and on the ground, scrambling for huge pickups against the Temple defense. He was 13 of 21 for 244 yards and two touchdowns, while also averaging more than 10 yards per rush on seven carries. As the first quester wound down, he hit speedy wideout Kenbrell Thompkins for a big 75-yard touchdown and the Bearcats would roll from there.
Kay combined with George Winn, the Big East's leading rusher, to put the Bearcats comfortably ahead at the half and the defense took over in the second. Winn punched it in twice from one-yard out as UC built a 24-3 lead after the first 30 minutes.
Cincinnati's defense completely shut down Temple's rush-heavy offense, holding the Owls to 3.4 yards per rush. Montel Harris and quarterback Chris Coyer could never find room, and the Bearcats' D ensured that no comeback threat was ever initiated.
Box Score Hero: In his first career start, Cincinnati's Kay threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed the ball seven times for 71 yards.
Rankings Ramifications: Cincinnati fell in the "others receiving votes" category of the Week 11 Coaches Poll, but it's unlikely that the win will move them into the top 25.
But Did They Cover? The Bearcats easily covered the eight-point spread.
For More On This Game: For more on Bearcats football, visit Cincinnati blog Down The Drive, plus Big East blog Big East Coast Bias. For more on Temple football, visit SB Nation Philly and Big East Coast Bias.
Next Week's Schedule: Cincinnati will host Rutgers, undefeated in the conference, in a huge Big East game at Nippert Stadium. Temple will go out of conference and head for a road game at Army.
