How UC Bearcats kept Victory Bell vs. Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

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How UC Bearcats kept Victory Bell vs. Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer · The Enquirer

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 ·

7 min read

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Two miles and about 12 minutes from campus, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats got punched in the mouth by the Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium and survived to win 35-31 in front of 21,045 fans.

Down 28-7 at halftime and booed off the field, the Bearcats outscored the RedHawks 28-3 in the second half to win one of the bigger nail-biters in the series. A final Miami drive was foiled by Antwan Peek Jr. , who forced RedHawks quarterback David McComb to fumble. Drew Logan pounced on it, and the Bearcats sideline erupted.

Peek, whose father is a James P. Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Famer now goes out ringing the Victory Bell in his final Bearcat season.

"I called my dad and he said it's more than a game," Peek Jr. said. "This is for everyone that played before us. This game means so much to me."

It was UC's biggest comeback win from a halftime deficit since they defeated Ohio University after trailing 24-7 in 2018.

It was the first American football game at the FC Cincinnati venue and the first Bearcats game on grass this season.

Cincinnati Bearcats take 2-game lead in Victory Bell series

UC can now proudly clang the Victory Bell all the way back to their Lindner Center trophy case. The series is now 62-60-7 for the Bearcats.

JC French IV finished the game 31-for-43 for 309 yards, with two touchdowns and one rushing score. Cole Tabb led all rushers with 79 yards for the Bearcats, 53 on the game-winning breakaway.

"I thought we scored too soon," UC head coach Scott Satterfield said. "We played a really nice second half. We really didn't do anything good in the first half. We went out with a purpose in the second half. Cole Tabb was faster on that play (touchdown) than anyone on the field."

Quarterback David McComb was 17-for-28 for 334 yards in the loss for Miami with a touchdown pass and rushing score. He also threw his first interception of the season when Kenny Worthy picked him off late in the game.

UC outgained Miami in yardage 446-410 and eventually outrushed them 137-76.

Miami RedHawks wide receiver Brady Simmons (2) takes a knee before the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats mascot performs in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) is tackled by Miami RedHawks linebacker Brock Uihlein (11) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks defensive back Jake Britt (44) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver JV Gibson (11) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Jonathan Thompson (22) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Flynn Schiele (16) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks wide receiver Maleek Huggins (1) catches a pass as Miami RedHawks linebacker Malcolm McCain (3) guards him in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks dance team performs in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks running back Rodney Nelson (0) runs the ball in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks wide receiver Scoop Smith (24) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield walks the sideline in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks quarterback David McComb (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks defensive back Max Deckard (38) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats running back Zylan Perry (7) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks linebacker Blayne Myrick (15) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks defensive back Kaleb Martin (12) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) is tackled by Miami RedHawks defensive lineman Roosevelt Andrews III (92) in the second quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks running back Lazaro Rogers (21) runs for a touchdown as Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Isaiah Johnson (0) attempts to tackle him in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks running back Lazaro Rogers (21) scores a touchdown as Cincinnati Bearcats edge rusher Patrick Bauer (10) attempts to stop him in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks running back Lazaro Rogers (21) reacts after scoring a touchdown. in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) scores a touchdown in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks band performs before the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats band performs before the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks offensive lineman Kris Manu (72) takes the field with the rest of Miami RedHawks before the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield runs onto the field with the rest of the team before the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks wide receiver Scoop Smith (24) returns a kickoff for a touchdown in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats band performs in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks wide receiver Damarion Witten (8) is forced out of bounds by Cincinnati Bearcats safety MJ Cannon (2) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks linebacker Malcolm McCain (3) and Miami RedHawks defensive back Kaleb Martin (12) tackle Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver JV Gibson (11) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Gi'Bran Payne (6) runs downfield as Miami RedHawks linebacker Blayne Myrick (15) goes to tackle him in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Isaiah Johnson (0) catches a pass as Miami RedHawks wide receiver Scoop Smith (24) guards him in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks wide receiver Scoop Smith (24) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Isaiah Johnson (0) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks head coach Chuck Martin looks on in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks linebacker Malcolm McCain (3) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Gavin Grover (87) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks quarterback David McComb (16) throws a pass in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks linebacker Malcolm McCain (3) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats running back Gi'Bran Payne (6) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks linebacker Blayne Myrick (15) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Miami RedHawks defensive lineman Tyler Dikos (35) and Miami RedHawks defensive lineman Bai Jobe (22) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Adversity hits UC Bearcats early at TQL Stadium

Miami won the coin toss and chose to receive. Fourteen seconds later, Scoop Smith was in the end zone after a 98-yard kickoff return and the RedHawks led 7-0. It was Miami's first kickoff return for a touchdown since Maurice Thomas for 99 yards against Western Michigan in 2018.

For the second time in three years, head coach Chuck Martin and the RedHawks drew first blood. In UC's last loss to Miami in 2023, Brett Gabbert hit Gage Larvadian from 79 yards out, 15 seconds into the game.

"You've got to try to get into it," Miami's Martin said of taking the ball. "We've got to get them (UC) on their toes. They're going to think we stink after watching the Pitt tape (a 59-14 loss)."

Not finished, Miami went on a four-play, 67-yard drive with Lazaro Rogers scoring on a 12-yard run to give the RedHawks a two-touchdown lead, less than four minutes into the game.

Cincinnati Bearcats booed off field at halftime

With just 26 rushing yards and being forced to throw with a major deficit, UC was struggling while their defense was being picked apart by Kansas transfer David McComb. By the break McComb had thrown for 179 yards and a touchdown and had 27 rushing yards and a score.

UC missed a 52-yard field goal attempt that might have made the score 21-10 and the RedHawks made them pay when McComb hit Maleek Huggins. Boobirds rained down on TQL Stadium as the Bearcats trotted off the field wounded and weakened.

"We were not very good," Satterfield said. "I was booing too. You play four quarters. Then you see if what you did was good enough or not good enough. There was no panic; there was a lot of poise. It was, 'Let's freaking go!'"

Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Taran Tyo (77) and Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Xavier Lozowicki (66) hold the victory ball after the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Second half comeback for UC

Down 28-7 at the half, UC scored 14 unanswered points to get within a touchdown. Miami's Kellen McLaughlin added a field goal, then UC scored on a pass from French to JV Gibson to get within a field goal. A missed field goal by McLaughlin would give the Bearcats life and a final drive.

Cole Tabb's 53-yard scamper to paydirt was UC's longest run of the year and gave the Bearcats their first lead with 1:29 to go. Peek Jr. then sealed it by stripping the ball away and a sideline of red jerseys jumped for joy, having won a game that seemed lost.

Miami coach Martin called it the worst loss in 30-plus years and said of the Victory Bell rivalry, "It's pretty much sucked other than the time we beat 'em."

What does this mean for Cincinnati Bearcats football?

UC is 3-0 for the first time since 2021, when they made the College Football Playoff semifinal under Luke Fickell. Previously, no Scott Satterfield-coached team has begun 3-0.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, all UC teams that have started 3-0 have made bowl games with the exception of 2003, when Rick Minter's final squad finished 5-7. Brian Kelly and Butch Jones accomplished the feat once and three of Fickell's teams had 3-0 starts.

UC Bearcats 3-0 starts since 2000

2003, Rick Minter– Beat East Carolina, won at West Virginia and beat Temple in overtime. From there, they were 2-7 to finish 5-7. It became Minter's last season at UC.

2007, Brian Kelly– In his first season, UC beat Southeast Missouri State, Oregon State and won at Miami University. The Bearcats would go 6-0 before back-to-back Big East losses to Louisville and Pitt. They finished 10-3 and won the Birmingham Bowl over Southern Miss .

2009, Brian Kelly– UC won at Rutgers, vs. Southeast Missouri State and at No. 24 Oregon State. They finished 12-0 with the famous Tony Pike-to-Armon Binns pass to beat No. 14 Pitt. Kelly left for Notre Dame and UC lost to No. 5 Florida with Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow 51-24 in the Sugar Bowl.

2012, Butch Jones– UC beat Pitt, Delaware State and No. 25 Virginia Tech at Fed Ex Field in Maryland . They began 5-0 before an unfortunate loss to Toledo. UC would go 9-3 and make the Belk Bowl, but Jones bolted for Tennessee with the bowl game in Charlotte being coached by assistant Steve Stripling with new coach Tommy Tuberville in attendance. The Bearcats beat Duke 48-34 to finish 10-3.

2018, Luke Fickell– Fickell's second UC team won at UCLA , against Miami University at the Bengals stadium and vs. Alabama A&M to start 3-0. They went 6-0 before an overtime loss at Temple. With a win over Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl they finished 11-2.

2020, Luke Fickell– UC beat Austin Peay, No. 22 Army and USF all at home then wouldn't lose until the Peach Bowl vs. No. 9 Georgia, 24-21. UC finished 9-1 in the shortened COVID-19 season.

2021, Luke Fickell –UC beat the Miami RedHawks, Murray State and won at Indiana for the 3-0 start. They knocked off No. 9 Notre Dame in South Bend the following week and didn't lose until facing top-ranked Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal Cotton Bowl to finish 13-1.

Miami drops to 1-2.

Next up for Bearcats is another 'Nipp at Night'

The Bearcats next play Kansas State, which improved to 3-0 with a 31-20 home victory over Tulane Sept. 19. Their game against the Bearcats will be their first venture out of Manhattan. UC leads that series 4-3 but hasn't won since 1966. Kansas State has won the last three, including their lone Big 12 matchup in 2024.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How UC Bearcats kept Victory Bell vs. Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

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Cincinnati Bearcats take 2-game lead in Victory Bell series

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium

Adversity hits UC Bearcats early at TQL Stadium

Cincinnati Bearcats booed off field at halftime

Second half comeback for UC

What does this mean for Cincinnati Bearcats football?

UC Bearcats 3-0 starts since 2000

Next up for Bearcats is another 'Nipp at Night'