MORGANTOWN — Cincinnati's offense bounced back from its miserable performance against Arizona two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the Bearcats' defense made sure it wouldn't be enough.

West Virginia defeated Cincinnati 45-42 Saturday afternoon at Milan Puskar Stadium, handing the Bearcats their second consecutive loss after a 4-0 start. The defeat was especially frustrating considering Cincinnati scored six touchdowns and took the lead six different times, only to watch the Mountaineers answer again and again.

The Bearcats have now surrendered 79 points in their last two games, following a 34-7 loss to Arizona on October 3.

West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. was a nightmare for Cincinnati's defense, accounting for five touchdowns, including two rushing scores in the first half. His ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and find open receivers kept the Mountaineers in the game despite Cincinnati's impressive offensive performance.

The Bearcats opened the afternoon with a 13-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from JC French IV to Joe Gibson. West Virginia tied the game early in the second quarter on a 12-yard run by Hawkins, but French responded with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Israel Johnson.

After Hawkins tied the game again, Cole Tabb broke loose for a 28-yard touchdown run that gave Cincinnati a 21-14 halftime lead.

The teams continued trading touchdowns after the break.

Hawkins opened the third quarter with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Sapp, but Cincinnati reclaimed the lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by French. West Virginia answered with a 37-yard touchdown pass to DayDay Epps before French connected with Tabb for an 11-yard score.

The Mountaineers tied the game again on a 3-yard touchdown run by A.J. Latimer. Tabb then scored his third touchdown of the afternoon on a 6-yard run, giving Cincinnati a 42-35 advantage with 5:35 remaining.

But once again, the defense couldn't hold.

Hawkins found Cam Cook for a 40-yard touchdown with 3:44 remaining, tying the game at 42. Cincinnati's ensuing possession produced only seven yards before Mason Fletcher delivered a 66-yard punt that pinned West Virginia at its own 1-yard line with 2:05 remaining.

Even that wasn't enough.

Hawkins completed passes of 41 and 39 yards to Preston Strachan, moving the Mountaineers into field-goal range. Jack Cassidy then connected from 35 yards as time expired, completing an 81-yard drive and giving West Virginia its first Big 12 victory of the season.

The game also included a disturbing scene involving Cincinnati defensive tackle Josh Hough, who suffered an apparent left leg injury during the first half. While Hough was being carted off the field, the cart backed into a wall, pressing his injured foot against it and visibly causing him additional pain. Hough was ruled out for the remainder of the game, although it remains unclear whether the collision worsened his original injury.

For Cincinnati, the offensive improvement was encouraging. French made several big throws, including completions of 69 and 59 yards to Malachi Henry, while Tabb provided explosive plays both running and receiving the football.

But those performances were overshadowed by another disaster of a defensive effort.

The Bearcats had two weeks to address the problems that surfaced against Arizona. Their offense appeared to respond, but the defense has now allowed at least 34 points in consecutive games, and Saturday's performance was even worse.

Cincinnati falls to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12, with serious questions about whether its defense can keep the team competitive against the conference's better opponents.

What's Next

Cincinnati returns home Saturday, October 24, to face Texas Tech at Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats will need a considerably better defensive performance if they hope to avoid a third consecutive loss.