College Sports

Warren's 4 TDs lead No. 25 Cincinnati over USF 35-23

Posted November 11, 2018 6:00 am

By JOE KAY

Cincinnati running back Michael Warren II, right, celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Jerron Rollins, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) - Michael Warren II ran for three touchdowns and caught a pass for another score Saturday night, leading 25th-ranked Cincinnati to a 35-23 victory over South Florida that kept the Bearcats in the chase for the American Athletic title.

The Bearcats (9-1, 5-1) remain a game behind unbeaten UCF for the AAC East lead. No. 11 UCF beat Navy 35-24 and hosts Cincinnati next Saturday.

Cincinnati moved back into the Top 25 after a 42-0 win over Navy. The Bearcats are leaning on their versatile running back - coach Luke Fickell says he's "built for November" - in their most important games. Warren came through again.

"I don't know what to say about him," Fickell said. "Sometimes you're not sure he's going to be able to continue doing what he's done. His ability to do everything is what makes him special."

Warren had a 13-yard touchdown catch in the first half. He ran for three touchdowns in the third quarter, including a 57-yarder, and set a school record with his 18th TD of the season. Warren has scored in all but one game this season.

"You never know - just keep the cameras on Mike," defensive end Kimoni Fitz said. "He's always making plays."

South Florida (7-4, 3-3) has lost three straight conference games for the first time since 2013. It didn't help that the Bulls were missing their prolific quarterback against the league's stingiest defense.

Blake Barnett hurt his shoulder during a 41-15 loss to Tulane . The Bulls waited until the end of the week to decide Barnett wouldn't be able to play.

His backups got a few big plays, but not much else.

Sophomore Chris Oladokun made his first career start and threw for a 72-yard touchdown on his first attempt. Junior Brett Kean replaced him in the second quarter and threw a 38-yard touchdown to Mitch Wilcox on his third attempt, helping USF take a 16-14 halftime lead before Warren took over.

"We watched Blake all week and hoped he'd get better, but by Friday we had to make a decision to go with the two quarterbacks," coach Charlie Strong said. "With what they were trying to do to us we thought Chris could use his legs to make some plays to get out of danger. The quarterbacks played all right." Oladokun was 10 of 22 for 165 yards. Kean was 4 of 10 for 67 yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

South Florida's defense wanted to show significant improvement after giving up 57 points - a school record - in a loss to Houston followed by 41 against Tulane. The Bulls were better for a half, but the defense was on the field a lot with the offense unable to move consistently.

Cincinnati accomplished its main goal - staying in the title chase. Now it's head-to-head for the East lead.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

About 20 South Florida players warmed up shirtless, but some of them wore facemasks against the sub-freezing temperatures. Not to be outdone, about a dozen Bearcats also went topless during warmups. It was the Bulls' first game in sub-40-degree temperatures since a 31-6 loss at Rutgers on Dec. 7, 2013.

UP NEXT

South Florida plays at Temple on Saturday.

Cincinnati lost to UCF 51-23 last year at Nippert Stadium in a game shortened by storms.

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Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) hands off the ball to running back Michael Warren II (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won, 35-23. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

Cincinnati running back Michael Warren II (3) runs the ball against South Florida linebacker Greg Reaves (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell reacts to a referee's call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

Cincinnati wide receiver Rashad Medaris (17) catches a pass against South Florida cornerback Ronnie Hoggins (19) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

South Florida tight end Mitchell Wilcox reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

South Florida quarterback Chris Oladokun passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

South Florida head coach Charlie Strong works the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

South Florida wide receiver Tyre McCants (8) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati safety James Wiggins (32) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

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