UC football coach Luke Fickell discusses the Bearcats' win against UCF ahead of this weekend's trip to Houston. Fletcher Page, fpage@enquirer..com
HOUSTON – The No. 25 Cincinnati Bearcats started strong and survived a sluggish third quarter in a 38-23 victory against Houston Saturday.
UC (5-1, 2-0) quarterback Desmond Ridder passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another and sophomore safety Ja'von Hicks intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble in front of 25,716 at TDECU Stadium.
After Houston (2-4, 0-2) pulled to within 21-17 in the third quarter, Ridder connected with running back Michael Warren for a touchdown and linebacker Perry Young intercepted a deflected pass and scored to finish off the Bearcats' eighth win in the past 10 AAC contests dating back to last season.