CINCINNATI — For one half, Miami looked ready to walk out of TQL Stadium with the Victory Bell.

Cincinnati spent the second half reminding everyone why college football games last four quarters.

The Bearcats erased a 21-point halftime deficit and defeated Miami 35-31 Saturday, completing a remarkable comeback in the 129th meeting between the longtime rivals. Cole Tabb scored the winning touchdown on a 53-yard run with 1:29 remaining, giving Cincinnati its first lead of the afternoon.

The victory improved Cincinnati to 3-0 and extended its narrow advantage in the all-time series to 62-60-7.

Miami could not have started much better. Sam Smith returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, and Lazaro Rogers added a 12-yard scoring run less than four minutes later. Before Cincinnati had settled into the game, the Bearcats were behind 14-0.

Tabb answered with a one-yard touchdown run, but the remainder of the first half belonged to Miami.

Freshman quarterback David McComb scored on a six-yard run during the second quarter before finding Maleek Huggins for a 36-yard touchdown with 21 seconds remaining. The score sent Miami into halftime with a 28-7 lead and completed a half in which the RedHawks thoroughly outplayed Cincinnati.

McComb was excellent. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown, repeatedly attacking Cincinnati’s secondary with confidence well beyond his experience. Even when the Bearcats finally generated more pressure in the second half, McComb continued giving Miami opportunities to win.

Huggins was even more spectacular.

The senior caught four passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, averaging 32 yards per reception. His official numbers do not include his most memorable play. Huggins made an outrageous one-handed catch near the sideline for a first down on a 3rd-and-long. It was one of the best catches that anyone will ever see.

Miami played its ass off.

Cincinnati, however, refused to disappear.

JC French IV scored on a one-yard run midway through the third quarter, then found Tabb for an eight-yard touchdown with 2:44 remaining. After producing only seven points during the first half, the Bearcats scored twice in less than five minutes and entered the fourth quarter trailing 28-21.

The comeback could have fallen apart early in the third quarter when Cincinnati went for fourth-and-3 from its own 33-yard line and French was sacked. Miami appeared ready to extend its 21-point lead, but a 14-yard run was erased by a penalty before a mishandled hold caused McLaughlin’s field-goal attempt to strike the offensive line. That missed opportunity changed the game.

Kinley McLaughlin’s 19-yard field goal gave Miami a 31-21 advantage early in the fourth quarter, but the RedHawks would not score again. French responded by leading Cincinnati on a touchdown drive capped by his six-yard pass to JV Gibson with 6:20 remaining.

After the Bearcats regained possession, Tabb found a crease and exploded through it for a 53-yard touchdown. What had been a 21-point deficit became a 35-31 Cincinnati lead.

Miami still had one final opportunity, but the Bearcats’ Antwan Peek Jr. forced a fumble to seal the win and complete the comeback to keep the Victory Bell in Cincinnati.

French finished 31-of-43 for 309 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also ran for 39 yards and a score. Tabb needed only six carries to produce 78 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding the eight-yard score through the air. JV Gibson led Cincinnati with seven receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.

The Bearcats outgained Miami 446-410 and held the ball for nearly seven minutes longer, but those numbers hardly explain the afternoon. Miami dominated the first half. Cincinnati dominated most of the second.

More importantly, the Bearcats showed leadership and composure when almost nothing was going their way. They did not panic after falling behind by three touchdowns. They kept playing, took advantage when Miami left the door open and completed one of the finest comebacks in the history of the rivalry.

Miami deserved better than a moral victory. Cincinnati earned the actual one.

What’s Next: Cincinnati opens Big 12 play against Kansas State on Saturday, September 26, at Nippert Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.