It was sloppy and ugly, but Cincinnati pulled away Saturday for a "comfortable" win.
Despite committing two turnovers on their first two drives and four total on the day, the No. 15 (AP/Coaches) Bearcats opened American Athletic Conference play with a 28-7 win over short-handed South Florida at Nippert Stadium.
"Obviously, comfortable, comfortable win," Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said. "For the first time, I could say I think we played down to the atmosphere and environment. We were looking for a little bit of energy, and it wasn't there. That was the one negative thing."
The Bearcats (3-0, 1-0 AAC), in front of only immediate family, members of the UC spirit squads and a limited pep band, improved to 3-1 against the Bulls under Fickell, including wins in three straight matchups.