In a commanding season‑opening performance, the Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Boston College 34-15 on Saturday, extending their home‑opener winning streak to 25 games – the second‑longest streak in the nation behind Oklahoma State.

JC French shines in first start

Junior college transfer JC French made his first start for the Bearcats and delivered a stellar showing. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 77 yards, added a rushing total of 52 yards on 10 carries, and accounted for four touchdowns – three on the ground and one through the air.

French’s scoring burst came early in the second half when he ran in 4‑yard touchdowns on the first two drives, giving Cincinnati a 24‑0 lead. The second score followed a key defensive play, as cornerback Jacob Finley recovered a fumble by Boston College tight end Brady Clough on the Bearcats’ 44‑yard line.

Bearcats’ offense and defense click

Beyond French’s heroics, the Bearcats amassed 340 total yards, highlighted by running back Gi’Bran Payne’s 108 yards on 14 carries. The new defensive scheme, overseen by coordinator Nate Woody, shifted to an aggressive 3‑4 alignment. Cincinnati’s defense recorded four quarterback sacks, applied constant pressure, and forced two turnovers, showcasing the physical, fast style the unit aims to maintain.

Boston College’s effort

Boston College’s quarterback Mason McKenzie, also making his first start after transferring from Saginaw Valley State, completed 18 of 35 passes for 224 yards and led his team with 78 rushing yards on 20 carries. The Eagles managed a late third‑quarter touchdown on a 4‑yard run by Evan Dickens and added a 45‑yard field goal by Stephen Rusnak in the fourth quarter, but could not overcome the early deficit.

Looking ahead

The Bearcats will host Western Carolina on September 12, while Boston College travels to Rutgers on September 11 for their next matchups.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.