The Bearcats take the lead in the all-time series, 61-60-7.
The Victory Bell is the oldest non-conference rivalry in college football, as the crosstown schools Cincinnati and Miami (OH) first settled things on the gridiron in 1888.
But a century and change of tradition doesn’t mean the rivalry is unbreakable. All good things must come to end, and entering this weekend, only two matchups remained on the schedule — Saturday’s showdown at Yager Stadium in Oxford, OH and the neutral-site finale at Paycor Stadium in 2026.
Thus, establishing supremacy in the rivalry was more important than ever, especially considering the all-time series was 60-60-7. Last September, Cincinnati saw its 16-game win streak — the longest in the series’ history shattered as the RedHawks pulled off a 31-24 stunner. Miami lugged the Victory Bell into the stadium for the first time since 2006, but the Bearcats snatched the coveted prize back after a 27-16 road victory.
Now, Cincinnati leads Miami, 61-60-7, in the historic series with one game remaining on the docket.
Cincinnati’s offense demonstrated potency last Saturday in a crushing loss to Pitt, manufacturing 449 yards with substantial success through the passing game. But Miami (OH) typically plays gritty, defensive-driven battles — as evidenced in its 13-6 Week 1 loss at Northwestern — and the RedHawks brought the Bearcats into that trap.
It was a slow offensive start for both teams. Miami tossed an interception to Derrick Canteen in the end zone on its opening drive and the teams traded punts. Then Cincinnati finally made the first edit to the scoreboard as kicker Nathan Hawks drained a 55-yard longshot for a 3-0 advantage. Miami answered with a 30-yarder by Dom Dzioban in a start dominated by the special teams. Then the most significant special teams play of the game transpired.
Miami punter Alec Bevelhimer mishandled a snap deep in his own territory, and Cincinnati’s Marqavious Saboor recovered a momentum-swinging fumble on the 3-yard line. The Bearcats wasted no time in capitalizing as Brendan Sorsby connected with tight end Joe Royer to claim a 10-3 advantage.
The Sorsby to Royer connection may have produced one touchdown, but it also saw two get wiped off the board. Right before halftime, Cincinnati extended its lead to two scores when Royer appeared to stumble into the end zone. However, the tight end coughed the ball up on the 1-yard line, and the ball rolled out of bounds past the pylon, providing Miami a touchback with just seconds remaining in the first half.
Royer also saw an 80-yard touchdown grab wiped off the board in the fourth quarter due to an ineligible man downfield, and Cincinnati came up empty-handed on both of those crucial miscues.
Still, the Bearcats struck first coming out of halftime with a short touchdown run by Corey Kiner, who finished with 126 rushing yards in the victory. They also hit Miami with a long touchdown run as Kendric Pryor raced 66 yards to the house with an army of blockers to establish a 24-10 lead.
The RedHawks played from one or two steps behind the entire second half. The offense showed tremendous explosive as Gabbert completed a slew of deep balls extending 30+ yards. These deep shots were key to mounting a comeback, as the sixth-year finished with 339 passing yards — the fourth-most in his illustrious Miami career.
Cade McDonald was his top recipient with 135 yards on eight catches, while Reggie Virgil added 77, and running back Kevin Davis contributed 56. McDonald hauled in a 7-yard touchdown reception with 7:57 remaining to slice the deficit to 24-16. Miami received an opportunity at a potential tie with roughly five minutes left, but the RedHawks turned it over on downs while facing a 4th and 4, 12 yards short of the end zone.
Hawks provided the scoring spark with a 55-yard field goal and he also provided the seal with a 50-yard kick, sending Cincinnati the all-time advantage in the Victory Bell series.
Cincinnati (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) opens its conference slate at home next Saturday against Houston in a rematch of the 2021 AAC Championship Game. Meanwhile, Miami (OH) (0-2, 0-0 MAC) remains a member of a dwindling group of winless teams. The RedHawks’ road remains difficult next week with a trip to Notre Dame, as they hope to become the second MAC team to stun the ranked Fighting Irish this season.