HOUSTON (AP) – Corey Kiner rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns, Cincinnati piled up 204 rushing yards and the Bearcats earned their first Big 12 win with a 24-14 victory over Houston on Saturday night.
Emory Jones threw for 131 yards and a touchdown for the Bearcats (3-7, 1-6), who snapped a seven-game losing streak.
Jones threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Montgomery in the first quarter, and Kiner rushed for a 1-yard touchdown with eight minutes left in the second to put Cincinnati ahead 14-7. Kiner added a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that upped the lead to 24-7.
The Bearcats had 368 yards of offense, while holding Houston to 241.
Donovan Smith struggled for Houston (4-6, 2-5), completing 16 of 28 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions. Smith also rushed for 88 yards on 13 carries. His touchdown passes both went to Joseph Manjack IV, covering 7 and 2 yards. Manjack has caught a touchdown pass in each of his last four games.
Houston's defense tied its season-high with four sacks in the game, led by redshirt junior Jamaree Caldwell and redshirt freshman Anthony Holmes Jr.'s 1.5 each. Junior Nelson Ceaser also posted a sack in the game. He now has a team-best 9.5 on the year.
THE TAKEAWAY
Cincinnati: The Bearcats had pressure on Smith throughout the game and finished with four tackles for loss. Cincinnati has won four straight games against Houston. The Bearcats committed two penalties for eight yards and were 7 for 13 on third downs.
Houston: The Cougars will need to win each of their final two matchups to become bowl eligible. Houston finished 6 for 13 on third downs. The Cougars finished with 10 tackles for loss.
UP NEXT
The Cougars remain at TDECU on Nov. 18 for their home finale against Oklahoma State with Houston celebrating its seniors during the game. Game time and broadcasting network will be announced soon.