Another game against a patsy, another first half that annoyed a majority of the fanbase. Just like in the 52-14 beatdown of Miami, the Bearcats rallied in the second half and smacked Fordham 49-17. The Rams used ball control to play keep away in the first half. But Cincinnati got a 72 yard fumble recovery by Deven Drane and a 78 yard TD pass and run to Travis Kelce to lead 14-6 at the half.
The second half was mainly Cincinnati kicking Fordham's ass. RDA IV busted a big TD run, Danny Milligan caught a TD pass, and Munchie ran for another score to bust the game wide open. Brendon Kay rushed for a TD late in the game for the final Cincinnati score.
The Fordham star was their kicker/punter Patrick Murray. He was 3-4 on field goals, including a 55 yarder, and punted for a 47 yard average. Brian Wetzel had 9 catches for 121 yards and a TD. Fordham ran an awesome 2 point play. They had a tackle eligible. They ran a throw back to him. Dude barreled over Deven Drane to convert. It was fancy.
Travis Kelce was the Bearcat who stood out. He had 3 catches for 101 yards and a TD. He set a career high in receiving yards in a game and in a season. He is statistically Cincinnati's second best receiver. Alex Chisum got some playing time. He caught a long pass and a shorter pass. He had a big block down the field to help spring Kelce on his TD catch. Teamwork.
Munchie was 15-24, 262, 2 TDs, 7 rushing yards, 1 TD. He was kind of sharp. He is what he is really. He's going to overthrow some passes. He's going to make plays that raise your blood pressure. He threw a dropped INT and fumbled once. Neither one was a turnover, so it wasn't exactly bad. It's hard to accept someone who can be so erratic, but he's not going to get benched. If he gets hurt, UC will be worse off. He played well, give him some slack.
This game wasn't really exciting. It wasn't especially mind numbingly boring. In that case, it's a win. I gave Danny Milligan a new nickname. I don't think he had a nickname, so I gave him one. After he broke a punt return (Anthony McClung didn't play), I dubbed him Thrilligan. Admit it, you like it. Even if you don't, it will win you over. I had plenty of time to think of the pun for the title as well. Maybe this game was more boring than I'm letting on.
Whatever your excitement level for this game, you should be excited with the result. The Cincinnati Bearcats are 5-0. They will move up in the top 25 rankings tomorrow. Things are very exciting for the program right now. If you can't be excited about that, you aren't a fan of winning and I feel sorry for you.
#Thrilligan
Stats after the jump. Photo via ESPN/AP. Stats via ESPN
Team Stat Comparison
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