Cincinnati deals Eddie George his inaugural defeat in his role as an FBS coach

In a historic clash at Nippert Stadium, the Cincinnati Bearcats emerged victorious against the Bowling Green Falcons, winning 34-20. This was a significant victory for the Bearcats, as they had previously lost to Bowling Green four times in a row, with their last defeat being a 38-0 home shutout in 1994, the first home shutout by the Bearcats since 1972.

Coach Scott Satterfield opted for a short passing game for the majority of the game, but it was a late third-quarter rush by quarterback Brendan Sorsby that secured the Bearcats' first touchdown. Sorsby later connected with Cyrus Allen for two touchdowns, marking the Bearcats' first two scores of the game.

The Falcons, coached by 1995 Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George, found themselves trailing 24-3 in the second half. In a bold move, they went for a first down on a fourth-and-2 from the Cincinnati 12, but were only able to gain 1 yard. Despite this, George elected to punt for field position twice in the first half rather than take a risk on fourth-and-short.

Eddie George's son, Eriq, was the starting defensive end for Bowling Green, while Ian van der Merwe, the son of Bowling Green's athletic director Derek van der Merwe, played as a defensive lineman for the team. Drew Pyne, who started at least one game for Notre Dame, Arizona State, and Missouri, threw for 274 yards and a score for the Falcons.

The Bearcats will be at home next Saturday against Northwestern State, while Bowling Green will host Liberty in their next game. The status of Donte Corleone, Cincinnati's two-time All-American nose tackle, who left the field twice to have his ankle taped and later left for good midway through the second quarter, will be re-evaluated.

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