It was not a pretty start for the Bearcats 2016 Season. Coach Tuberville and the rest of the staff couldn't have imagined the offense would struggle the way it did early on, but that's all it was-early on.

BEARCATS- 28 SKYHAWKS 7

Moore struggle early on trying to establish chemistry with the several new wideouts on the field after losing so many of them during the off-season.

As halftime neared, the Bearcats found themselves in a horrible position. Moore had just been sacked, as well as losing a fumble, and the Skyhawks had the ball on the eight yard line first and goal.

The Skyhawks went on to miss the same field goal, twice.

Cincinnati was able to capitalize, driving down the field before the half to tie the... wait they missed the extra point.

Moore finished the first half 8-of-14 for 125 yards and 1 TD that was caught by Nate Cole.

After starting the second half three-and-out, the offense began to get into a rhythm and from there were able to establish a strong running game with Tion Green, who was jsut short of being able to surpass the 100-yard in the 4th quarter.

Moore connected on a short TD pass to Khalil Lewis nearly 13 minutes into the second half, and it became apparent Moore had gained the confidence neccesary, as he was lights out the rest of the game.

For the Bearcats defense, it was a scary start. Watching UT-Martin drive right down the field in a 15-play drive to open the game was something that opened up the Boos, something that grew into something bigger as the first half came to a close.

As the 3rd quarter began to wind down, the Bearcats began to take control on both sides of the field.

The defense began to force turnovers, and with that gave the offense the chances they needed to capitalize.

Moore began making the same throws he was missing earlier in the game, and the play-calling was nearly-flawless offensively as the 4th quarter went on. Boone scored a TD 10 minutes into the 4th to ice the game. Tyrell Gilbert's 58-yard pick six put the exclamation point on what was an exciting second half for Bearcat fans.

While the game was clearly a lot closer then one would have liked, the Bearcats showed a lot of promise as the game went on, as well as things that need to be corrected. They will have an extra two days to prepare for Purdue.

NOTABLE STATS:

Hayden Moore- 21/34 260 YDS 2 TD

Tion Green 16 carries-97 Yards

Devin Gray- 5 catches, 111 yards