by Oxford, OH
One year after their highly anticipated rematch, Miami University once again faced the University of Cincinnati in the 128th matchup of the historic Battle for the Victory Bell. Despite Miami’s efforts, they fell to Cincinnati in a hard-fought rematch with a final score of 27-16. The game was far more competitive than the score might suggest, as Miami remained in contention throughout much of the contest. However, Cincinnati’s dynamic and high-powered offense, driven by a dominant passing attack, ultimately extinguished any hopes for Miami to keep the Victory Bell in Oxford, securing Cincinnati’s victory.
First Quarter
The game began with an early back-and-forth as Miami’s Brett Gabbert looked to make an impact, but his momentum was cut short when he threw an interception in the endzone, shutting down the Redhawk’s hopes to start the game off strong. The University of Cincinnati responded with a punt pinned deep in their end zone, giving Miami a favorable position. However, Miami failed to capitalize, quickly punting the ball back. Cincinnati finally broke the stalemate with a field goal, putting them up 3-0.
Second Quarter
The game continued with both teams battling for control. Miami evened the score with a field goal, making it 3-3 early on. The defense came up strong, delivering a crucial stop on 3rd and 7. However, Cincinnati’s defense answered with their stand on 3rd and 4, forcing Miami to punt.
Shortly after a momentum-shifting play occurred where Miami muffed a punt, giving Cincinnati excellent field position. On 3rd and goal, Cincinnati wasted no time, scoring on a touchdown pass to tight end Joe Royer on the first play after the Miami turnover. The extra point was good, putting UC up 10-3.
Miami’s next punt pinned Cincinnati deep at the 5-yard line, but the Bearcats responded with back-to-back first downs, exposing weakness in Miami’s defense with effective hitch routes. Despite holding their own on defense, Miami’s offense struggled to gain momentum and move the ball.
Cincinnati continued to expose weak spots in Miami’s secondary with short, efficient passes. Just before halftime, Cincinnati extended their lead with a touchdown pass but after review, it was overturned as a fumble, resulting in a touchback thus leading to halftime with a score of 10-3.
Third Quarter
The third quarter saw both teams ramp up the intensity. Cincinnati was initially stopped on 3rd and 1 in the red zone, but on 4th and 1, they converted to keep their drive alive. Moments later, UC’s running back Corey Kiner ran for a touchdown, extending the Bearcats lead to 17-3. Miami responded quickly when Brett Gabbert launched a 58-yard bomb to Reginald Virgil, for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-10.
On the next drive, Miami’s defense stepped up with a huge sack by Jake Golday on 3rd and 11, forcing a punt. Shortly after UC struck back with a big play of their own, as running back Corey Kiner broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run, making the score 24-10 in favor of Cincinnati.
Fourth Quarter
Miami’s defense came up with a crucial stop, sparking an offensive drive down the field. A key pass interference call against Cincinnati gave Miami a first-and-goal opportunity, and Brett Gabbert capitalized with a touchdown pass to Cade McDonald, however, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 24-16.
Cincinnati then converted a knockout blow with an 80-yard touchdown pass, but the play was called back due to a penalty. Miami was now in possession where Gabbert connected on a deep shot to Cade McDonald, putting them in position to strike back. Facing 4th down, Miami’s hopes were shattered when a pass interference call was overturned, giving UC the ball back with little time left.
Cincinnati shifted to clock management, with a big run by Pryor helping to drain time before the two-minute warning. Shortly after the Bearcats sealed the game with a field goal in the final minute, securing a 27-16 victory over Miami, sending the victory bell back to UC for what may be the last exchange of the bell.
