With only 25 seconds left on the clock, cornerback Arquon Bush pulled off a clutch interception to push No. 2 Cincinnati Bearcats to a 27-20 victory over Navy Midshipmen on Sunday. 

The Bearcats (7-0, 3-0 American Athletic Conference) weren’t at their best, but they never seemed in danger of losing until the last minute, when the Navy scored to make it a one-score game and then recovered an onside kick with 48 seconds remaining.

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However, the Midshipmen (1-6, 1-4) failed to capitalise on their final opportunity. Bush intercepted Tai Lavatai’s third-down throw on the Cincinnati 45.

After a mistake-filled first half, the Bearcats were lucky to have a three-point lead, but they ultimately broke out of their offensive rut. Desmond Ridder had 176-yard passing yardage and two touchdowns.

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For the first time since 1984, the Navy hosted a top-five team, and the Midshipmen didn’t trail until a wild swing at the end of the first half. Navy was driving with the game tied at 10 and appeared to be on track to eat up the remaining time in the second quarter. However, after losing yards on consecutive plays, the Midshipmen were forced to attempt a 51-yard field goal.

Deshawn Pace of Cincinnati nearly ran it back for a touchdown after the punt was blocked, but he stepped out of bounds with 1 second left. Alex Bales kicked a 52-yard field goal with that much time left to give the Bearcats a 13-10 lead.

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The score was 20-10 after Jerome Ford’s 43-yard touchdown run, and Ridder added a 3-yard touchdown throw to Josh Whyle later in the third quarter.

In the last minute of the game, Navy’s Lavatai scored on a 1-yard run.

Ridder threw an interception deep in Navy territory with Cincinnati trailing 10-7, but the Bearcats scored on their next four drives.