American Athletic Conference/ Ben Solomon
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Cincinnati used three big plays early in the third quarter to build a 35-13 lead against Houston in the American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game at Nippert Stadium.
The Bearcats, who held a 14-13 lead at halftime, added to their lead on a short touchdown pass from Desmond Ridder to tight end Leonard Taylor.
Houston's first play on the ensuing series was picked off by linebcker Joel Dublanko, who set the Bearcats up deep in Cougar territory. That led to a 21-yard TD strike to Alec Pierce for Ridder's third touchdown pass of the game.