Box Score CINCINNATI, Ohio – EKU opened the season with a road loss at Big 12 opponent Cincinnati, falling 66-13 to the Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. 

Cincinnati kept the Colonels off the board until late in the second quarter, when Parker McKinney connected with Hunter Brown for a 17-yard touchdown and the tight end's first score as a Colonel with 5:08 to go until halftime.

EKU's defense forced its first turnover of the season in the third quarter when Cheikhsaliou Fall stripped Cincinnati's quarterback and recovered the loose ball to give EKU possession. Patrick Nations converted a 42-yard field goal on the ensuing EKU drive.

Parker McKinney finished the day 13-of-24 for 177 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Jaden Smith led the receiving corps with five catches for 81 yards. Brown, Mena Mannan, and Jackson Hensley each recorded their first catches at Colonels. On the ground, Joshua Carter led the way with 68 yards on seven carries. Cameron Hergott rushed for 40 yards on six carries in the fourth quarter.

Logan Blake and Nic Cheeley paced the Colonels on defense with 10 and nine tackles, respectively. Jeremy Edwards averaged 47 yards on four punts.

EKU faces its second Power Five opponent of the season next week when the Colonels visit Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 3:00 p.m.