Grading The Cats: UC's Defense Carry's Program to Victory Over Pitt

Cincinnati beat the Panthers 27-21 on Saturday.

CINCINNATI — UC football topped Pittsburgh 27-21 on Saturday behind some strong individual performances on both sides of the ball. five different Bearcats earned 75-plus Pro Football Focus grades in the win, with tight end Payten Singletary (82.1) leading the way on offense.

Singletary posted four catches for 24 yards and one score, but his run blocking also helped drive the high grade (79.1 passing grade, 79.6 run block grade).

The team's leading receiver wasn't far behind Singletary. Braden Smith (75.6 PFF grade) posted five catches for 59 yards and the game-deciding touchdown. Defensively, Malik Vann led the way with a career-high 93.2 PFF grade. The defensive end posted two tackles, a half-sack, and a half-tackle for loss.

Cornerback Jordan Young had a great pass breakup in the game, which helped him earn a 78.3 grade and Bryon Threats posted a 75 grade after a PBU himself to go with a team-high seven tackles. Among players with at least 20 snaps, linebacker Dorian Jones (59.5) and defensive tackle Justin Wodtly (51.9) were the only Bearcat defenders to grade 60 or worse.

Offensively, it was more of a struggle as 13 players graded 60 or worse, including every offensive lineman except for guard Dartanyan Tinsley (65).

Among all FBS teams, Cincinnati is PFF's eighth-best team by overall grade through two games (92 overall).

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