Today was a big test for the Bearcats as they traveled down to Neyland stadium to face the Tennessee Volunteers, but the Bearcats came back empty handed with a lot of questions to answer as they fell to Tennessee 45 to 23.
The game couldn't have started better for UC as they scored a TD only in three plays. As Pead took a third down play and ran 65 yards into the end zone.
But it didn't take long for Tennessee to answer UC's TD. It only took Vols 7 plays 58 yards to equalize UC.
On the following kickoff Tennessee went with a onside kick and caught UC off guard to regain the ball. This time it only took Tennessee 5 plays for 59 yards for Tennessee to score their second TD.
But for the second consecutive UC possession, they scored their second TD. UC drove 5 plays for 60 yards for a TD. When Z. Collaros connected with Adrien Robinson for a 13 yard hook up to even up the score.
For the next four possession UC went for punt, turnover on downs, punt, and turnover on downs., momentum stayed on the Tennessee side as they seem to easily move the ball on UC defense, especially through the air. UC's secondary seemed to have no answer for Tyler Bray and the Tennessee WR's.
It was good first half for the offense as Collaros went for 12/19 with 101 yards and 1 TD. Pead also had great first half as he rumbled for 135 yards on 10 carries. For all the good on the offensive side, things seemed to look bad on the defensive side as Bray went for 281 yards on 21 of 27 passes.
The second half was not much different than the first half as Tennessee dominated offense, defense, special teams. The Volunteers added two more touchdowns and a field goal.
If it's any consolation, UC did force a fumble towards the end of the game and scored off the turnover.
But the biggest factors in the game might have been the two failed short yardage conversions on fourth down and the failed attempt at a touchdown on 1st and goal in the third quarter.
But it was very evident in the game, UC's secondary could not handle Tennessee passing game. It's the same problem that plagued UC last year. Up next for the Bearcats is a date with the Akron Zips.
Stats: ESPN
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