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CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati football team suffered a 41-14 loss to open American Athletic Conference play Saturday evening inside Paul Brown Stadium.
The Bearcats needed just 17 seconds to put points on the board, as Gunner Kiel (Columbus, Ind./East/Notre Dame) connected with Mekale McKay (Louisville, Ky./Moore/Arkansas) on UC's first play from scrimmage. The 80-yard strike gave UC the quick 7-0 lead, however, it would be one of few bright spots for the home team in a first half that ended with a 27-7 lead for Memphis.
On the final play of the first half, Kiel was struck in the ribs by an opposing player and did not return to action in the second half.
The Tigers answered UC's opening score less than two minutes later with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Paxton Lynch to Tevin Jones. The toss finished a seven-play, 41-yard drive that was set up by a 59-yard kickoff return by Bobby McCain.
Memphis added two more touchdowns and a pair of field goals to set up the 27-7 halftime deficit.
Cincinnati added its second touchdown of the night thanks to a Rod Moore five-yard rush. After a short punt from Memphis, the Bearcats set up at the Memphis 43-yard line and moved the ball down the field in two minutes and 41 seconds. Catches from McKay and Shaq Washington (Maple Heights, Ohio/Maple Heights) aided the drive.
Memphis added a pair of scores in the third quarter before a scoreless fourth saw the game end with a 41-14 final score.
Cincinnati returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 11, traveling to Miami (Fla.) for a noon kickoff.