Cam Skattebo Scores two Goals But His Team Still Loses.

The Bearcats ensured the alumni left happy by defeating Arizona State (ASU) 24-14 on a beautiful homecoming day last Saturday.

The defense is the main focus of the game’s narrative. After limiting University of Central Florida’s strong running offense to 13 points, they were equally successful in containing the Sun Devils, only allowing them to score 14 points.

ASU running back Cam Skattebo, with a 5.8-yard average before the game, was limited to just 75 yards for a 4.4 average.

Big up Skattebo, bro. He is an animal. Keeping him to less than 100 yards is remarkable. “He’s a really good running back,” stated head coach Scott Satterfield post-game.

Skattebo would score two touchdowns, which were the only ones for Arizona State.

In total, the Bearcats limited ASU to 346 yards, with only 155 gained passing.

The absence of starting quarterback Sam Leavitt led to backup Jeff Sims stepping in for the Sun Devils.

In the offensive game, quarterback Brendan Sorsby threw 23 of 31 passes for 206 yards while also scoring two rushing touchdowns and had one interception. Xzavier Henderson continued to be his top choice, grabbing 8 receptions for 67 yards.

Corey Kiner came close to reaching 100 yards in the running game, gaining 99 yards on 22 carries and scoring a touchdown.

Arizona State began the game with a rapid touchdown: a 6-play, 66-yard drive lasting just three minutes and six seconds. The play was a pass, with only one being thrown, a screen to Skattebo resulting in a 20-yard gain. Later on, he would carry it into the end zone from a distance of two yards, evading a defender and scoring six points.

The Bearcats failed to take advantage of the following drive when a long throw from Sorsby was picked off by cornerback Keith Abney II. Immediately after, Skattebo failed to maintain possession of the ball, allowing Kam Wilson to quickly recover it. Antwan Peek Jr stood out in safety and was given credit for the forced fumble.

This time, Cincinnati ensured they capitalized on the opportunity. Brendan Sorsby would personally carry the ball for a 14-yard gain on second down. He dove towards the end zone, was confirmed to have scored a touchdown, resulting in a tied game.

Twice, Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham chose to keep the offense on the field for fourth and short plays. On both occasions, they were returned to the bench. Skattebo failed to complete a 4th and 2 screen pass in the opening quarter. During the second quarter, he once again lost yardage while attempting a run through the middle.

In the previous quarter, Evan Pryor delivered a familiar sight for Bearcat fans by scoring an electrifying touchdown. In this round, the red and black team scored 55 yards to increase their lead to 17-7.

In the third quarter, the sole remaining score for Arizona State was achieved by Skattebo showcasing his top skill: overpowering opponents with his running. Josh Minkins seemed to have him contained for a loss, but he evaded tacklers and encountered Jared Bartlett in the end zone. Bartlett descended, whereas Skattebo remained up.

Bartlett stayed on the ground for a brief period, but Coach Satterfield said he was recovering on the sidelines.

Arizona State had additional chances throughout the game, however, they were unable to successfully convert on third downs, resulting in a 4-12 record in that particular category by the end of the game. Running the ball a couple times on first down towards the end of the game would allow the Bearcats to enter victory formation.

Another important aspect to highlight is that the Bearcats did not score any points during the second half. They approached but failed to score on two consecutive tries within five yards of the goal line.

Cincinnati improves to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference games after securing the victory. Arizona State’s record shifts to 5-2 after the defeat, standing at 2-2 within the conference.

Next week, the Bearcats will journey to Boulder, Colorado to compete against Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes. The game will start at 10:15 pm.