CINCINNATI, OH — JC French wasted little time making his presence felt in his Cincinnati debut.
The transfer quarterback accounted for four touchdowns Saturday, using his legs to repeatedly break through Boston College’s defense as the Bearcats opened the season with a convincing 34-15 victory over the Eagles.
French ran for three touchdowns and added another through the air in his first start since transferring from Georgia Southern. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 77 yards and added 52 rushing yards on 10 carries, giving Cincinnati a dynamic presence in the backfield.
“Whatever it takes to win, honestly, I’m good with,” French said. “I don’t even know if I got three in high school.”
The victory extended one of the nation’s longest active home-opening streaks. Cincinnati has now won 25 consecutive home openers, trailing only Oklahoma State, which owns a 30-game streak.
French Takes Over After Halftime
Cincinnati led just 10-0 at halftime, but the game quickly tilted in the Bearcats’ favor once the third quarter began.
French scored on 4-yard runs during each of Cincinnati’s first two possessions of the second half, turning a competitive game into a 24-0 advantage.
His second touchdown came immediately after Cincinnati’s defense created another opportunity.
Cornerback Jacob Finley recovered a fumble by Boston College tight end Brady Clough at the Cincinnati 44-yard line, giving the Bearcats excellent field position. French and the offense capitalized, extending the lead before Boston College could respond.
Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield praised French’s efficiency and decision-making, particularly in the running game.
“I thought JC played great,” Satterfield said. “He made great decisions in the run game; was very efficient throwing the football.”
Payne Provides a Powerful One-Two Punch
While French supplied the touchdowns, Gi’Bran Payne gave Cincinnati a steady presence in the running game.
The transfer from Notre Dame led the Bearcats with 108 rushing yards on 14 carries, helping Cincinnati pile up 255 yards on the ground and 340 yards of total offense.
Payne arrived at Cincinnati after spending time behind highly regarded Notre Dame backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
Satterfield said Payne’s work ethic played a major role in his transition.
“He was behind two first rounders … at Notre Dame and he came in here and to his credit has just worked his butt off,” Satterfield said.
Boston College Struggles to Keep Pace
Boston College showed some resistance early, holding Cincinnati to 139 yards during the first half and keeping the Eagles within striking distance.
Mason McKenzie, making his first start after transferring from Saginaw Valley State, completed 18 of 35 passes for 224 yards.
McKenzie also led Boston College in rushing, carrying 20 times for 78 yards.
The Eagles finally broke through late in the third quarter when Evan Dickens scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, but by then Cincinnati had established too much separation.
Boston College added a 45-yard field goal from Stephen Rusnak late in the fourth quarter, while French capped his afternoon with his third rushing touchdown, a 2-yard score.
Cincinnati’s Defense Makes a Statement
The Bearcats entered the season with a new defensive coordinator and a new philosophy.
Nate Woody replaced the previous 3-3-5 alignment with a more aggressive 3-4 scheme, and the early results were encouraging.
Cincinnati recorded four sacks, generated consistent pressure on McKenzie and forced two turnovers.
The Bearcats’ defense repeatedly attacked the line of scrimmage, producing tackles for loss and preventing Boston College from establishing sustained offensive rhythm.
Satterfield liked what he saw from the new-look unit.
“It was a much more exciting brand of defense,” he said. “We were in the backfield a lot. We were pressuring him. We had tackles for loss on running backs. That’s what we want to see.”
The Takeaway
Boston College: The Eagles entered the season looking to improve a defense that allowed an ACC-high 433.3 yards per game last season. There were encouraging signs early, as Boston College limited Cincinnati’s offense during the opening half. But the defense eventually wore down as the Bearcats’ rushing attack took over.
Cincinnati: The Bearcats got exactly what they wanted from their new quarterback and defensive scheme. French’s ability to create plays with his legs, Payne’s production on the ground and an aggressive defense gave Cincinnati control of the game after halftime. The Bearcats also maintained one of the country’s most impressive home-opening streaks.
What’s Next?
Boston College will look to rebound Friday when the Eagles host Rutgers.
Cincinnati returns home Saturday to face Western Carolina, with the Bearcats looking to make it two victories to begin the season.
