For a short while on Saturday, it seemed as though Tulane might be able to stay with the #2 Bearcats in Yulman Stadium. The Green Wave (1-7) knew their slim bowl hopes would only stay alive if they could somehow top Cincy (8-0). Willie Fritz’s team, despite not having normal starting QB Michael Pratt, showed glimpses of fight but in the end Cincinnati was just too good.
After forcing a punt, the Bearcats got on the board first when Desmond Ridder led his offense 99 yards in 16 plays whilst chewing nearly eight minutes off the first quarter clock.