Multiple Defensive Touchdowns Lead WVU to Ugly Win at Cincinnati

CINCINNATI – In West Virginia’s closest road trip within Big 12 play, the Mountaineers opened up a critical four-game stretch to close the season in Cincinnati. And it was Nicco Marchiol leading WVU to a second straight conference road win.

After the Mountaineers failed to come away with any points on their opening possession, one that resulted in an unsuccessful fourth down attempt, the Bearcats drove the field and jumped out to a 7-0 lead. Despite dealing with some pressure early in the drive, quarterback Brandon Sorsby was able to find open receivers and sprinkle in some scrambles through open space with his legs.

The pressure was on West Virginia to answer.

Unfortunately for WVU fans, the Mountaineers did the exact opposite and handed the ball right back to a Bearcat offense that was starting to realize they could take advantage of a struggling defense.

But then something happened, a turn of events that could be pointed a season saving play. As Sorsby avoided a sack on a fourth down attempt, Anthony Wilson picked him off and ran all the way to house for a Mountaineer defensive touchdown.

Watch: WVU Flips Cincinnati Game with Turnovers, Highlighted By Pick-6

Momentum was on West Virginia’s side for the first time all game with 12 minutes left in the second quarter.

And then on the ensuing possession, the WVU defense would force another turnover thanks to a fumble. West Virginia would have to settle for a field goal, but in the blink off an eye, flipped the game and took a 10-7 lead.

The West Virginia offense finally reached the end zone themselves towards the end of the first half, scoring off a short field. Marchiol found Justin Robinson, increasing the lead to 17-7 with 3:37 left in the half.

West Virginia held that lead, going into the locker room with a 10-point edge even though Marchiol only had 62 yards passing.

Any WVU fan waiting for WVU to implode was pleasantly surprised to see Marchiol get the Mountaineers another touchdown, running it in himself to complete their first possession of the third quarter.

West Virginia’s Nicco Marchiol (8) drops back to pass against Cincinnati on Saturday. (Cody Nespor/WVSN)

Factoring in Cincinnati’s inability to sustain a drive and West Virginia’s pass rush building confidence, Neal Brown’s team thought they could cruise to an easy win. However, the Bearcats weren’t dead yet and clawed their way right back into the game in two plays.

Cincinnati went 80 yards on a pass play from Sorsby to Evan Pryor on their first play on offense right after snatching points off the scoreboard with an interception in the back of the end zone.

The Bearcats turned up the heat even further, making it 24-21 after another scoring drive, and one that actually used time on the clock. Sorsby kept the ball himself, running it in on a touchdown assisted by missed tackles.

But just as the WVU defense was both bending and breaking, they were able to dig deep for one last big play. Trey Lathan forced a fumble and West Virginia scored their second defensive touchdown of the game. The score all but ended the Bearcats’ comeback, eventually securing the 31-24 win for the Mountaineers.

WVU moves their overall record to one game over .500 at 5-4 (4-2, Big 12) as they await Baylor back in Morgantown next week.