How UC Bearcats QB JC French IV did in Victory Bell battle vs. Miami
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How UC Bearcats QB JC French IV did in Victory Bell battle vs. Miami
Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer·The Enquirer
·
4 min read
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The Battle for the Victory Bell was JC French's first game on natural grass since Sept. 8 of last year, when he threw a couple of touchdown passes against USC in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Unfortunately, he was also sacked three times, and his Georgia Southern team was drubbed by theTrojans59-20.
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Saturday, Sept. 19 at TQL Stadium, home of FCCincinnati, he played in a thriller against another good quarterback and led his team from a 21-point deficit at halftime to win 35-31.
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) dives forward in the fourth quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
UC's JC French, Miami's David McComb put on show at TQL Stadium
It was French's first Battle for the Victory Bell vs. the MiamiRedHawks. He responded with a UC career-high 309 passing yards with a pair of touchdown passes and a touchdown run. French was 31-for-43 and still hasn't thrown an interception in three games. He did get sacked three times.
"I have so much faith in this offense," French said. "We just did what we were coached to do."
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His counterpart Saturday was on the sidelines a year ago in Lawrence, Kansas, when the Bearcats had a come-from-behind victory over the Jayhawks. Redshirt freshman David McComb had a career-best 334-yard game going 17-for 28.
Helping UC pull out the win was a late interception by Kenny Worthy, McComb's first pick of the year. Like French, he was also sacked three times. The last was a strip-sack by Antwan Peek Jr. that resulted with defensive lineman Drew Logan landing on the ball to preserve the improbable win.
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 TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
In Week 2 against Western Carolina, French was 21-for-24 for 245 yards, two touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 200.7. After a 59-14 loss at Pitt, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound McComb hit all 13 of his passes vs. Holy Cross in Week 2 for three touchdowns and a 327.4 quarterback rating.
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The Victory Bell game at TQL Stadium in front of 21,045 was McComb's third college game. It was the 39th time French had taken the field. McComb finished with the higher quarterback rating of 165.6 and completed 61% of his throws. French's quarterback rating was slightly lower at 147.8, but he completed 72% of his passes. Most importantly, he returned to campus with the Victory Bell.
"Speaking of not panicking and playing with poise, that's JC French," UC head coach Scott Satterfield said. "He was very calm out there. We're down and he's just making the play. We asked a lot of him tonight. The fourth down, first down he got was incredible. He was stopped and he spun off and got a first down. I thought he played, really, really good."
Miami RedHawks quarterback David McComb (16) throws a pass in the first quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
UC Bearcats QB JC French vs. Miami RedHawks QB David McComb
The first quarter went to French individually as he went 8-for-10 for 78 yards, to McComb's 2-for-4 for 44. But thanks to Scoop Smith's game-opening kickoff return for a touchdown and a successful second drive by the RedHawks, the men of McComb led 14-7.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats host Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium
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)
McComb made more strides in the second quarter, with several precise downfield throws and an eventual 6-yard run for a score, giving the RedHawks a 21-7 lead. A late touchdown pass before halftime gave Miami a comfortable 28-7 lead and led to enough boos from UC fans at TQL Stadium that you would have thought it was Halloween.
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UC added a rushing touchdown from French and a scoring pass to Cole Tabb in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap to 28-21, then outscored Miami 14-3 in the final frame with 166 yards of total offense to 62 for the RedHawks. In the second half, French's Bearcats outgained McComb's RedHawks 280 -163.
Miami RedHawks quarterback David McComb (16) runs downfield in the fourth quarter of the football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Sacks, interceptions, who did better? UC's French or Miami's McComb?
French came into the game having not thrown an interception and being sacked just once. The RedHawks only allowed two sacks in their previous encounters.
Both quarterbacks were dropped three times, with both coughing up the ball. McComb's was mostly costly as it came with 36 seconds left.
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"He competes his tail off," Miami coach Chuck Martin said. "He's so down on himself right now, that's why he's going to be great."
Miami hosts Connecticut Sept. 26 at Yager Stadium, while French will face another great quarterback when Avery Johnson and Kansas State come to Nippert Sept. 26 for a 7 p.m. kick on ESPN2.
