Western Carolina at Cincinnati

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Cincinnati beat Western Carolina 62–⁠10. It was their second meeting; Cincinnati leads the series 2–⁠0.

AwayWestern Carolina3–⁠4 in 2026
10
HomeCincinnati4–⁠2 in 2026
62

Final at Nippert Stadium, CincinnatiTV: ESPN+Attendance 34,827

At kickoff
77°F, wind 5 mph from the eastWeather: NOAA NCEI Global Historical Climatology Network hourly; Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field, 9 km from the stadium, seven minutes before kickoff
Official
Lyndon NixonGame officials: stats.ncaa.org box scores, via SportsDataverse

From the numbers

  • Cincinnati came back from 21 points down to beat Miami (OH) 35–⁠31, the biggest comeback in FBS this season.

Computed from every game through Sep 19 and the score after every scoring play; a note appears only when few teams share it. All the numbers.

Scoring by quarter

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Western Carolina370010
Cincinnati721211362

Standouts

Player stats

Western Carolina

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Lex Thomas23/3216500
Isaac Lee1/3201
Patrick Harding0/2000
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Marlin Cochran325021
Josh Perry72407
Lex Thomas51818
Joshua Balloon1404
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Jake Young549019
Jai Boyd63209
Santana Carlos226025
A.J. Colombo217013
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Andre Jackson Jr.70.500
Alant’e Reese7000
Ken Moore Jr.60.500
Ja’Torian Mack6000

Cincinnati

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
J.C. French21/2424520
Liam O’Brien5/51800
Samaj Jones2/2900
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Gi’Bran Payne12102240
Zylan Perry576140
Cole Tabb572136
J.C. French752014
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Malachi Henry387056
JaVonnie Gibson579150
Isaiah Johnson52009
Cade Wolford418012
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Simeon Coleman7000
Damaine Wilson7000
Jonathan Thompson6100
Jacob Finley6000
Marqavious Saboor2001

From CollegeFootballData’s box score. Names lead to each player’s page. ★ a career high on file.

Team stats

Western CarolinaCincinnati
241Total yards690
167Passing yards272
74Rushing yards418
4.5Yards per pass8.8
3.7Yards per rush8.5
13First downs32
2–⁠12Third downs8–⁠11
1–⁠2Fourth downs1–⁠2
1Turnovers0
5–⁠45Penalties11–⁠105
27:23Possession32:37
0Sacks (by defense)0

Efficiency

Western CarolinaCincinnati
38%Success rate64%
0.00EPA per play0.57
1.02Explosiveness1.22
0.09Rushing EPA0.63
0.04Passing EPA0.51
16%Passing-down success41%
−0.04First-down EPA0.50
0.10Second-down EPA0.55
0.01Third-down EPA1.23
8%Havoc by its defense12%

From CollegeFootballData.com: each offense’s efficiency, and the havoc each defense caused. The better side of each line is bold.

Before kickoff

Our ratings and the line, going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Cincinnati 79% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

The line

Cincinnati −36.5, over/under 61.5.

The last line on file before kickoff: the consensus line when the books publish one, otherwise a single major sportsbook’s.

Before kickoff, the win chances were Cincinnati 99%, Western Carolina 1%. CollegeFootballData.com’s estimate from the point spread.

Every drive

Cincinnati end zoneWestern Carolina end zoneQ1 Western CarolinaField goal, 12 playsQ1 CincinnatiTouchdown, 13 playsQ1 Western CarolinaPunt, 4 playsQ1 CincinnatiTouchdown, 12 playsQ2 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 11 playsQ2 CincinnatiTouchdown, 7 playsQ2 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ2 CincinnatiTouchdown, 6 playsQ2 Western CarolinaEnd of half, 2 playsQ3 CincinnatiPunt, 7 playsQ3 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 2 playsQ3 Western CarolinaTurnover on downs, 9 playsQ3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 3 playsQ3 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 3 playsQ3 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 8 playsQ4 Western CarolinaInterception, 2 playsQ4 CincinnatiTurnover on downs, 7 playsQ4 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ4 CincinnatiTouchdown, 12 playsQ4 Western CarolinaResult not recorded, 3 plays
Solid bars scored; an outline in the other team’s color marks points the defense scored. Cincinnati drives left to right, Western Carolina right to left.
  1. Q1 Western CarolinaField goal, 12 plays, 10 yards
  2. Q1 CincinnatiTouchdown, 13 plays, 75 yards
  3. Q1 Western CarolinaPunt, 4 plays, 50 yards
  4. Q1 CincinnatiTouchdown, 12 plays, 75 yards
  5. Q2 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 11 plays, 75 yards
  6. Q2 CincinnatiTouchdown, 7 plays, 81 yards
  7. Q2 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 47 yards
  8. Q2 CincinnatiTouchdown, 6 plays, 85 yards
  9. Q2 Western CarolinaEnd of half, 2 plays, 26 yards
  10. Q3 CincinnatiPunt, 7 plays, 64 yards
  11. Q3 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 37 yards
  12. Q3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 2 plays, 49 yards
  13. Q3 Western CarolinaTurnover on downs, 9 plays, 47 yards
  14. Q3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 3 plays, 73 yards
  15. Q3 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 44 yards
  16. Q3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 3 plays, 61 yards
  17. Q3 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 50 yards
  18. Q3 CincinnatiTouchdown, 8 plays, 59 yards
  19. Q4 Western CarolinaInterception, 2 plays, 7 yards
  20. Q4 CincinnatiTurnover on downs, 7 plays, 19 yards
  21. Q4 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 44 yards
  22. Q4 CincinnatiTouchdown, 12 plays, 57 yards
  23. Q4 Western CarolinaResult not recorded, 3 plays, 4 yards

Play by play

1st quarter4 drives, then Cincinnati 7, Western Carolina 3
Western Carolina Field goal, 12 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35(15:00) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
14:501st & 10 at own 25(15:00) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #10 S.Carlos caught at WCU39, for 25 yards to the WCU50 (#0 J.Finley), 1ST DOWN
14:271st & 10 at the 50(14:32) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete deep right to #10 S.Carlos thrown to CIN07
14:192nd & 10 at the 50(14:26) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #9 B.Burns caught at CIN45, for 6 yards to the CIN44 (#9 D.Wilson)
13:443rd & 4 at opp 44(13:47) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #3 J.Perry thrown to CIN40
13:214th & 4 at opp 44(13:43) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #1 J.Boyd caught at CIN35, for 9 yards to the CIN35 (#8 K.Worthy), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
13:131st & 10 at opp 35(13:13) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete deep right to #10 S.Carlos thrown to CIN00 PENALTY CIN Offside (#16 J.White-McLain) 5 yards from CIN35 to CIN30. NO PLAY
13:061st & 5 at opp 30(13:10) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 4 yards gain to the CIN26 (#54 T.Johnson; #95 J.Hough)
12:252nd & 1 at opp 26(12:29) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 1 yard loss to the CIN27 (#22 J.Thompson)
11:473rd & 2 at opp 27PENALTY WCU False Start (#72 A.Threatt) 5 yards from CIN27 to CIN32. NO PLAY
11:263rd & 7 at opp 32(11:35) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #4 K.Sterling caught at CIN31, for 12 yards to the CIN20 (#3 A.Peek Jr.), 1ST DOWN
10:521st & 10 at opp 20(10:56) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 1 yard loss to the CIN21 (#4 M.Parker)
10:152nd & 11 at opp 21(10:20) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush left for 4 yards gain to the CIN17 (#9 D.Wilson; #31 S.Coleman)
9:303rd & 7 at opp 17(09:38) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #3 J.Perry caught at CIN18, for 2 yards to the CIN15 (#9 D.Wilson)
8:574th & 5 at opp 15(08:57) #60 B.McCollum field goal attempt from 33 yards GOOD (H: #63 T.Guerrero, LS: #57 K.Powell), clock 08:57Western Carolina 3, Cincinnati 0
Cincinnati Touchdown, 13 plays
8:571st & 10 at own 35(08:57) #95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 65 yards to the CIN00, Touchback
8:501st & 10 at own 25(08:56) Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush left for 7 yards gain to the CIN32 (#17 J.Mack; #11 M.Patierno)
8:162nd & 3 at own 32(08:25) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #2 L.Fenner caught at CIN30, for 1 yard loss to the CIN31 (#1 K.Moore Jr.; #11 M.Patierno)
7:373rd & 4 at own 31(07:46) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short middle to #87 G.Grover caught at CIN39, for 12 yards to the CIN43 (#17 J.Mack; #4 A.Jackson Jr.), 1ST DOWN, PENALTY WCU Illegal Substitution declined
7:251st & 10 at own 43(07:31) No Huddle-Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush left for 8 yards gain to the WCU49 (#4 A.Jackson Jr.)
6:582nd & 2 at opp 49(07:04) No Huddle-Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU47 (#91 J.Diamond), 1ST DOWN
6:201st & 10 at opp 47(06:24) Shotgun #7 Z.Perry rush middle for 1 yard loss to the WCU48 (#3 J.Collins; #30 J.Meeks)
5:382nd & 11 at opp 48(05:47) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #18 G.Kontosis caught at WCU43, for 8 yards to the WCU40 (#17 J.Mack; #7 M.Taylor)
5:043rd & 3 at opp 40(05:09) No Huddle-Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush middle for 9 yards gain to the WCU31 (#5 B.Jones), 1ST DOWN, PENALTY WCU Illegal Substitution declined
4:471st & 10 at opp 31(04:52) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #8 C.Wolford caught at WCU32, for 12 yards to the WCU19 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
4:401st & 10 at opp 19(04:45) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass incomplete short left to #8 C.Wolford thrown to WCU00 broken up by #5 B.Jones
4:322nd & 10 at opp 19(04:40) No Huddle-Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush right for 9 yards gain to the WCU10 (#1 K.Moore Jr.)
4:123rd & 1 at opp 10(04:17) No Huddle-Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush middle for 5 yards gain to the WCU05 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy), 1ST DOWN
3:341st & goal at opp 5(03:37) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #11 J.Gibson caught at WCU00, for 5 yards to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 03:34 #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 7, Western Carolina 3
Western Carolina Punt, 4 plays
3:341st & 10 at own 35(03:34) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
3:281st & 10 at own 25(03:33) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #87 J.Young caught at WCU26, for 10 yards to the WCU35 (#10 P.Bauer), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
3:211st & 10 at own 35(03:25) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 5 yards gain to the WCU40 (#3 A.Peek Jr.; #54 T.Johnson)
2:572nd & 5 at own 40(03:01) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush left for 2 yards gain to the WCU42 (#54 T.Johnson)
2:153rd & 3 at own 42(02:19) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #87 J.Young thrown to WCU44 QB hurried by #54 T.Johnson
2:054th & 3 at own 42(02:13) #95 M.Fitzgerald punt 33 yards to the CIN25, out of bounds at CIN25
Cincinnati Touchdown, 12 plays
1:581st & 10 at own 25(02:04) Shotgun #7 Z.Perry rush left for 6 yards gain to the CIN31 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy)
1:392nd & 4 at own 31(01:45) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #0 I.Johnson caught at CIN30, for 5 yards to the CIN36 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
1:281st & 10 at own 36(01:34) No Huddle-Shotgun #7 Z.Perry rush right for 7 yards gain to the CIN43 (#13 C.Turner-Allen)
1:042nd & 3 at own 43(01:12) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush middle for 14 yards gain to the WCU43 (#4 A.Jackson Jr.), 1ST DOWN
0:411st & 10 at opp 43(00:46) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU40 (#17 J.Mack; #18 T.Anderson)
0:132nd & 7 at opp 40(00:13) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #9 M.Henry caught at WCU26, for 14 yards to the WCU26 (#4 A.Jackson Jr.), 1ST DOWN
Q2 14:501st & 10 at opp 26(14:59) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #6 G.Payne caught at WCU27, for 10 yards to the WCU16 (#5 B.Jones; #6 J.Cornelius), 1ST DOWN, PENALTY WCU Holding declined
Q2 14:351st & 10 at opp 16(14:41) Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU13 (#1 K.Moore Jr.; #6 J.Cornelius)
Q2 14:062nd & 7 at opp 13(14:14) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush right for 12 yards gain to the WCU01 (#8 R.McKinnis), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
Q2 13:531st & goal at opp 1(13:58) Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush middle for 0 yards to the WCU01 (#17 J.Mack; #5 B.Jones)
Q2 13:132nd & goal at opp 1(13:17) #6 G.Payne rush middle for 1 yard loss to the WCU02 (#16 C.Kerns; #4 A.Jackson Jr.)
Q2 12:353rd & goal at opp 2(12:38) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #85 L.Waters caught at WCU00, for 2 yards to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 12:35 #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 14, Western Carolina 3
2nd quarter5 drives, then Cincinnati 28, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Touchdown, 11 plays
12:351st & 10 at own 35(12:35) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
12:351st & 10 at own 25(12:35) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short left to #10 S.Carlos thrown to WCU40 PENALTY CIN Holding 10 yards from WCU25 to WCU35, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY
12:171st & 10 at own 35(12:28) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #14 K.Woodburn caught at WCU38, for 5 yards to the WCU40 (#0 J.Finley)
11:472nd & 5 at own 40(11:52) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush left for 6 yards gain to the WCU46 (#22 J.Thompson), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
11:101st & 10 at own 46(11:21) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #14 K.Woodburn caught at WCU41, for 0 yards to the WCU46 (#8 K.Worthy)
10:322nd & 10 at own 46(10:40) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #1 J.Boyd caught at WCU46, for 3 yards to the WCU49 (#3 A.Peek Jr.)
9:533rd & 7 at own 49(10:00) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 8 yards gain to the CIN43 (#9 D.Wilson; #31 S.Coleman), 1ST DOWN
9:091st & 10 at opp 43(09:17) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #87 J.Young caught at CIN39, for 6 yards to the CIN37 (#9 D.Wilson)
8:302nd & 4 at opp 37(08:36) Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush left for 21 yards gain to the CIN16 (#22 J.Thompson), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
8:161st & 10 at opp 16PENALTY WCU False Start (#53 Z.Watson) 5 yards from CIN16 to CIN21. NO PLAY
7:441st & 15 at opp 21(07:52) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #3 J.Perry caught at CIN21, for 9 yards to the CIN12 (#22 J.Thompson; #0 J.Finley)
7:152nd & 6 at opp 12(07:21) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 7 yards gain to the CIN05 (#12 F.Maciorowski; #18 J.Beeler), 1ST DOWN
6:511st & goal at opp 5(06:58) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #87 J.Young caught at CIN02, for 4 yards to the CIN01 (#8 K.Worthy)
6:232nd & goal at opp 1(06:25) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 1 yard gain to the CIN00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 06:23 #60 B.McCollum kick attempt good (H: #63 T.Guerrero, LS: #57 K.Powell)Cincinnati 14, Western Carolina 10
Cincinnati Touchdown, 7 plays
6:181st & 10 at own 35(06:23) #95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 64 yards to the CIN01 #7 Z.Perry return 18 yards to the CIN19 (#15 H.Bodine)
6:101st & 10 at own 19(06:16) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #11 J.Gibson caught at CIN24, for 6 yards to the CIN25 (#31 A.Reese)
5:352nd & 4 at own 25(05:44) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush middle for 6 yards gain to the CIN31, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN, PENALTY WCU Personal Foul (#11 M.Patierno) 15 yards from CIN31 to CIN46, 1ST DOWN
5:121st & 10 at own 46(05:18) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #11 J.Gibson caught at CIN44, for 8 yards to the WCU46 (#3 J.Collins), out of bounds
4:532nd & 2 at opp 46(04:59) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #0 I.Johnson caught at WCU49, for 3 yards loss to the WCU49 (#21 N.Ashenafi)
4:153rd & 5 at opp 49(04:22) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #11 J.Gibson caught at WCU44, for 10 yards to the WCU39 (#6 J.Cornelius), 1ST DOWN
3:311st & 10 at opp 39(03:42) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #2 L.Fenner caught at WCU43, for 3 yards to the WCU36 (#31 A.Reese)
3:002nd & 7 at opp 36(03:07) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 C.Tabb rush right for 36 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 03:00, 1ST DOWN #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 21, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
3:001st & 10 at own 35(03:00) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
2:541st & 10 at own 25(02:59) Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush left for 0 yards to the WCU25 (#9 D.Wilson)
2:142nd & 10 at own 25(02:21) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short left to #18 M.Keener thrown to WCU44 QB hurried by #3 A.Peek Jr.
2:043rd & 10 at own 25(02:14) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #1 J.Boyd caught at WCU23, for 3 yards to the WCU28 (#2 M.Cannon; #3 A.Peek Jr.)
1:444th & 7 at own 28(01:58) #95 M.Fitzgerald punt 39 yards to the CIN33 #8 K.Worthy return for loss of 8 yards to the CIN25 (#18 T.Anderson) PENALTY CIN Holding declined CIN Illegal Block in Back (#34 M.Harrison) 10 yards from CIN25 to CIN15
2:004th & 7 at own 28Timeout Western Carolina, clock 02:00
Cincinnati Touchdown, 6 plays
1:381st & 10 at own 15(01:38) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #13 Z.Johnson caught at CIN09, for 11 yards to the CIN26 (#8 R.McKinnis), 1ST DOWN
1:311st & 10 at own 26(01:31) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete deep right to #2 L.Fenner caught at WCU48, for 26 yards to the WCU48, End Of Play PENALTY CIN Personal Foul (#50 E.Tengesdahl) 13 yards from CIN26 to CIN13. NO PLAY
1:161st & 23 at own 13(01:22) No Huddle-Shotgun #13 Z.Johnson rush middle for 8 yards gain to the CIN21 (#31 A.Reese; #8 R.McKinnis)
0:532nd & 15 at own 21(01:01) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush middle for 9 yards gain to the CIN30 (#3 J.Collins; #1 K.Moore Jr.)
0:493rd & 6 at own 30(00:54) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #9 M.Henry caught at CIN47, for 17 yards to the CIN47 (#5 B.Jones), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
0:303rd & 6 at opp 30Timeout Western Carolina, clock 00:30
0:411st & 10 at own 47(00:47) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete deep left to #11 J.Gibson caught at WCU15, for 50 yards to the WCU03 (#7 M.Taylor), 1ST DOWN
0:381st & goal at opp 3(00:37) No Huddle-Shotgun #13 Z.Johnson rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:38 #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 28, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina End of half, 2 plays
0:381st & 10 at own 35(00:38) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
0:321st & 10 at own 25(00:38) Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 7 yards gain to the WCU32 (#31 S.Coleman; #10 P.Bauer)
0:032nd & 3 at own 32(00:03) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #87 J.Young caught at WCU47, for 19 yards to the CIN49 (#31 S.Coleman; #0 J.Finley), 1ST DOWN
3rd quarter9 drives, then Cincinnati 49, Western Carolina 10
Cincinnati Punt, 7 plays
14:551st & 10 at own 35(15:00) #95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 65 yards to the CIN00 #7 Z.Perry return 24 yards to the CIN24 (#22 D.Davis Jr.)
14:212nd & 1 at own 33(14:25) No Huddle-Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush right for 2 yards gain to the CIN35 (#1 K.Moore Jr.), 1ST DOWN
14:021st & 10 at own 35(14:03) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass incomplete short left to #0 I.Johnson thrown to CIN31
13:552nd & 10 at own 35(13:55) No Huddle-Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush left for 19 yards gain (1) to the WCU46 (#3 J.Collins) PENALTY CIN Face Mask 15 yards from CIN36 to CIN21
14:541st & 10 at own 24(14:54) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short middle to #0 I.Johnson caught at CIN20, for 9 yards to the CIN33 (#13 C.Turner-Allen)
13:402nd & 24 at own 21(13:40) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #6 G.Payne caught at CIN15, for 4 yards to the CIN25 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy) PENALTY CIN Holding (#85 L.Waters) 10 yards from CIN25 to CIN15
13:202nd & 30 at own 15(13:20) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #6 G.Payne caught at CIN16, for 16 yards to the CIN31 (#12 J.Quintero) PENALTY CIN Holding (#74 J.Cotton) 7 yards from CIN15 to CIN08. NO PLAY
12:502nd & 37 at own 8(12:59) No Huddle-Shotgun #3 C.Tabb rush right for 19 yards gain to the CIN27 (#21 N.Ashenafi; #13 C.Turner-Allen)
12:063rd & 18 at own 27(12:16) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV rush left for 8 yards gain to the CIN35 (#1 K.Moore Jr.)
11:314th & 10 at own 35(11:35) #31 M.Fletcher punt 53 yards to the WCU12 fair catch by #0 A.Colombo at WCU12
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
11:311st & 10 at own 12PENALTY WCU False Start (#56 A.McIver) 5 yards from WCU12 to WCU07. NO PLAY
11:311st & 15 at own 7(11:31) PENALTY CIN Delay Of Game 5 yards from WCU07 to WCU12. NO PLAY
11:231st & 10 at own 12(11:29) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #3 J.Perry thrown to WCU28 broken up by #18 J.Beeler
11:132nd & 10 at own 12(11:20) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #1 J.Boyd caught at WCU13, for 1 yard to the WCU13 (#0 J.Finley)
10:273rd & 9 at own 13(10:36) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #10 S.Carlos caught at WCU14, for 1 yard to the WCU14 (#18 J.Beeler; #12 F.Maciorowski)
9:424th & 8 at own 14(09:51) #95 M.Fitzgerald punt 47 yards to the CIN39 #8 C.Wolford return 12 yards to the WCU49 (#27 J.Douglas)
Cincinnati Touchdown, 2 plays
9:341st & 10 at opp 49(09:42) Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush middle for 9 yards gain to the WCU40 (#17 J.Mack; #25 C.Young Jr)
9:102nd & 1 at opp 40(09:18) Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush middle for 40 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 09:10, 1ST DOWN #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 35, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Turnover on downs, 9 plays
9:041st & 10 at own 35(09:10) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00 #13 R.Hollis return 26 yards to the WCU26 (#12 F.Maciorowski)
8:581st & 10 at own 26(09:03) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #1 J.Boyd caught at WCU26, for 8 yards to the WCU34 (#14 K.Meier), out of bounds
8:412nd & 2 at own 34(08:47) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #1 J.Boyd caught at WCU32, for 8 yards to the WCU42 (#3 A.Peek Jr.; #0 J.Finley), 1ST DOWN
8:081st & 10 at own 42(08:15) No Huddle-Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush middle for 1 yard gain to the WCU43 (#31 S.Coleman; #16 J.White-McLain)
7:392nd & 9 at own 43(07:48) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #87 J.Young caught at WCU48, for 10 yards to the CIN47 (#31 S.Coleman; #26 C.Roetherford), 1ST DOWN
7:051st & 10 at opp 47(07:11) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #0 A.Colombo caught at CIN48, for 13 yards to the CIN34 (#22 J.Thompson), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
6:541st & 10 at opp 34(07:02) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #0 A.Colombo caught at CIN30, for 4 yards to the CIN30 (#22 J.Thompson)
6:272nd & 6 at opp 30(06:32) No Huddle-Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush middle for 3 yards gain to the CIN27 (#95 J.Hough; #12 F.Maciorowski)
5:573rd & 3 at opp 27(06:00) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short middle to #0 A.Colombo thrown to CIN20 broken up by #4 M.Parker
5:504th & 3 at opp 27(05:56) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete deep left to #10 S.Carlos thrown to CIN00, TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Cincinnati Touchdown, 3 plays
5:381st & 10 at own 27(05:49) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete deep middle to #9 M.Henry caught at WCU27, for 56 yards to the WCU17 (#25 C.Young Jr; #29 C.Robbins), 1ST DOWN
5:091st & 10 at opp 17(05:12) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass incomplete short left to #11 J.Gibson thrown to WCU06
5:032nd & 10 at opp 17(05:06) Shotgun #6 G.Payne rush right for 17 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 05:03, 1ST DOWN #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 42, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
4:561st & 10 at own 35(05:03) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 64 yards to the WCU01 #20 J.Dobie return 16 yards to the WCU17 (#44 M.Weedon)
4:511st & 10 at own 17(04:57) Shotgun #22 D.Davis Jr. rush right for 0 yards to the WCU17 (#99 J.Rulo)
4:192nd & 10 at own 17(04:24) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #22 D.Davis Jr. caught at WCU13, for 0 yards to the WCU17 (#14 K.Meier; #5 M.Saboor)
3:403rd & 10 at own 17(03:47) Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #1 J.Boyd thrown to WCU33
3:324th & 10 at own 17(03:38) #95 M.Fitzgerald punt 44 yards to the CIN39 fair catch by #8 C.Wolford at CIN39
Cincinnati Touchdown, 3 plays
3:321st & 10 at own 39(03:32) Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short left to #8 C.Wolford caught at CIN37, for 6 yards to the CIN45 (#26 D.Brown) PENALTY CIN Holding (#82 K.Smith) 10 yards from CIN39 to CIN29. NO PLAY
3:021st & 20 at own 29(03:11) Shotgun #7 Z.Perry rush right for 24 yards gain to the WCU47 (#26 D.Brown), 1ST DOWN
2:331st & 10 at opp 47(02:36) No Huddle-Shotgun #4 J.French IV pass complete short right to #0 I.Johnson caught at WCU44, for 7 yards to the WCU40 (#21 N.Ashenafi), out of bounds
2:022nd & 3 at opp 40(02:11) No Huddle-Shotgun #7 Z.Perry rush right for 40 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 02:02, 1ST DOWN #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 49, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
1:541st & 10 at own 35(02:02) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00 #20 J.Dobie return 9 yards to the WCU09 (#20 C.Crite)
1:441st & 10 at own 9(01:50) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #0 A.Colombo thrown to WCU20 QB hurried by #11 C.Otutu and #5 M.Saboor
1:372nd & 10 at own 9(01:43) No Huddle-Shotgun #22 D.Davis Jr. rush middle for 0 yards to the WCU09 (#9 D.Wilson; #11 C.Otutu)
0:493rd & 10 at own 9(00:58) No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #22 D.Davis Jr. caught at WCU14, for 7 yards to the WCU16 (#93 K.Horn; #31 S.Coleman)
0:014th & 3 at own 16(00:10) #95 M.Fitzgerald punt 48 yards to the CIN36 #8 C.Wolford return 5 yards to the CIN41 (#27 J.Douglas)
Cincinnati Touchdown, 8 plays
0:011st & 10 at own 41(00:00) Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien pass complete short middle to #0 I.Johnson caught at CIN37, for 2 yards to the CIN43 (#4 A.Jackson Jr.; #25 C.Young Jr)
Q4 14:502nd & 8 at own 43(14:59) Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien pass complete short right to #83 D.Zahursky caught at WCU44, for 9 yards to the WCU48 (#25 C.Young Jr), 1ST DOWN
Q4 14:302nd & 15 at opp 48(14:33) Shotgun #13 Z.Johnson rush right for 1 yard gain to the WCU47 (#8 R.McKinnis) PENALTY WCU Face Mask (#34 J.Martin-Durham) 15 yards from WCU47 to WCU32, 1ST DOWN
Q4 14:121st & 10 at opp 32(14:17) Shotgun #13 Z.Johnson rush left for 5 yards gain to the WCU27 (#27 J.Douglas; #4 A.Jackson Jr.)
Q4 13:432nd & 5 at opp 27(13:55) Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien rush middle for 1 yard gain to the WCU26 (#47 D.Harris)
Q4 13:083rd & 4 at opp 26(13:15) Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien rush middle for 6 yards gain to the WCU20 (#30 J.Meeks; #34 J.Martin-Durham), 1ST DOWN
Q4 12:371st & 10 at opp 20(12:41) Shotgun #13 Z.Johnson rush middle for 9 yards gain to the WCU11 (#18 T.Anderson)
Q4 11:512nd & 1 at opp 11(11:57) Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien rush left for 11 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 11:51, 1ST DOWN #93 M.Lemasters kick attempt failed (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 55, Western Carolina 10
4th quarter5 drives, then Cincinnati 62, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Interception, 2 plays
11:511st & 10 at own 35(11:51) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
11:431st & 10 at own 25(11:49) Shotgun #20 J.Dobie rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU28 (#93 K.Horn; #54 T.Johnson)
11:082nd & 7 at own 28(11:08) Shotgun #11 I.Lee pass intercepted by #5 M.Saboor at WCU32 QB hurried by #54 T.Johnson, End Of Play
Cincinnati Turnover on downs, 7 plays
10:551st & 10 at opp 32(11:00) Shotgun #3 C.Tabb rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU30 (#38 J.Joselin; #41 B.Waddell V)
10:162nd & 8 at opp 30(10:23) Shotgun #3 C.Tabb rush right for 12 yards gain to the WCU18 (#38 J.Joselin), 1ST DOWN
9:381st & 10 at opp 18(09:38) Shotgun #3 C.Tabb rush right for 10 yards gain (3) to the WCU08 (#27 J.Douglas) PENALTY CIN Holding (#73 A.Pastoriza) 10 yards from WCU15 to WCU25
9:041st & 17 at opp 25(09:11) Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien pass complete short left to #14 E.Jones caught at WCU30, for 5 yards to the WCU20 (#41 B.Waddell V; #31 A.Reese)
8:452nd & 12 at opp 20(08:52) No Huddle-Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien pass complete short right to #8 C.Wolford caught at WCU23, for 3 yards loss to the WCU23 (#24 T.Poyser)
8:093rd & 15 at opp 23(08:16) No Huddle-Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien rush right for 5 yards gain to the WCU18 (#43 B.Barger)
7:264th & 10 at opp 18(07:29) No Huddle-Shotgun #10 L.O’Brien pass complete short middle to #86 K.Davis caught at WCU13, for 5 yards to the WCU13 (#27 J.Douglas), TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
7:061st & 10 at own 13(07:24) Shotgun #24 A.Benjamin rush middle for 0 yards to the WCU13 fumbled by #24 A.Benjamin at WCU10 recovered by WCU #24 A.Benjamin at WCU10 (#5 M.Saboor)
6:412nd & 10 at own 13(06:49) Shotgun #11 I.Lee pass complete short left to #83 A.Cunningham caught at WCU15, for 2 yards to the WCU15 (#6 Z.Johnson)
6:073rd & 8 at own 15(06:14) No Huddle-Shotgun #11 I.Lee pass incomplete deep left to #19 M.Mane thrown to CIN37
5:554th & 8 at own 15(06:05) #95 M.Fitzgerald punt 42 yards to the CIN43
Cincinnati Touchdown, 12 plays
5:441st & 10 at own 43(05:51) Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush right for 13 yards gain to the WCU44 (#26 D.Brown; #41 B.Waddell V), 1ST DOWN
5:191st & 10 at opp 44(05:24) Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush left for 9 yards gain to the WCU35 (#43 B.Barger; #31 A.Reese), out of bounds
4:452nd & 1 at opp 35(04:52) Shotgun #26 J.Thompson rush middle for 16 yards gain (4) to the WCU19 (#34 J.Martin-Durham; #22 Q.Grant III) PENALTY CIN Holding (#78 G.Edgington) 10 yards from WCU31 to WCU41
4:262nd & 7 at opp 41(04:34) Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush middle for 10 yards gain to the WCU31 (#43 B.Barger; #21 N.Ashenafi), 1ST DOWN
3:511st & 10 at opp 31(03:59) Shotgun #5 S.Jones pass complete short right to #8 C.Wolford caught at WCU32, for 2 yards to the WCU29 (#34 J.Martin-Durham; #92 B.Joseph II)
3:152nd & 8 at opp 29(03:21) Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush middle for 0 yards to the WCU29 (#41 B.Waddell V; #30 J.Meeks)
2:373rd & 8 at opp 29(02:45) Shotgun #5 S.Jones pass complete short left to #8 C.Wolford caught at WCU33, for 7 yards to the WCU22, out of bounds at WCU22
2:084th & 1 at opp 22(02:14) No Huddle-Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush middle for 5 yards gain to the WCU17 (#31 A.Reese; #30 J.Meeks), 1ST DOWN
1:521st & 10 at opp 17(01:58) No Huddle-Shotgun #25 J.Lewis rush right for 7 yards gain to the WCU10 (#31 A.Reese)
2:001st & 10 at opp 17Timeout Cincinnati, clock 02:00
1:242nd & 3 at opp 10(01:31) No Huddle-Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU08 (#26 D.Brown). #97 F.Jeanty injured on the play
1:103rd & 1 at opp 8(01:15) No Huddle-Shotgun #25 J.Lewis rush left for 4 yards gain to the WCU04 (#43 B.Barger; #21 N.Ashenafi), 1ST DOWN
0:431st & goal at opp 4(00:42) Shotgun #5 S.Jones rush middle for 4 yards gain to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:43 #99 S.Rusnak kick attempt good (H: #31 M.Fletcher, LS: #48 E.Stein)Cincinnati 62, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Result not recorded, 3 plays
0:431st & 10 at own 35(00:43) #99 S.Rusnak kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
0:391st & 10 at own 25(00:41) Shotgun #17 P.Harding pass incomplete short right to #83 A.Cunningham thrown to WCU27
0:292nd & 10 at own 25(00:37) Shotgun #21 J.Balloon Jr. rush middle for 4 yards gain to the WCU29 (#30 D.Hutchinson)
0:033rd & 6 at own 29(00:03) Shotgun #17 P.Harding pass incomplete short left to #21 J.Balloon Jr. thrown to WCU30 broken up by #20 C.Crite

Play-by-play from CollegeFootballData.com, as its scorers wrote it. The clock is the time left in the quarter; the spot is from the side of the team with the ball.

Cincinnati leads 2–⁠0 in two meetings.

Recent meetings
2026Cincinnati 62, Western Carolina 10
2005Cincinnati 7, Western Carolina 3

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