Miami kickoff returner Milt Bowen is stopped by Cincinnati strong safety Gerry Ruff on a 12-yard return. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

CINCINNATI (AP contributed to this story)(Oct. 28) -- Despite holding a 389-383 edge in total offense and a 24-18 advantage in first downs, Miami could not overcome four costly turnovers and two blocked field goals in its 45-15 defeat at Cincinnati on Oct. 28. The game was played before 32,924, the largest crowd ever to see a Cincinnati home game.

This was the 105th meeting between the two schools. With the loss, Miami now leads the Victory Bell series 55-43-7.

The Bearcats (4-4) scored on three of their first four possessions to take a 17-0 early second-quarter lead. Miami countered with a 15-yard scoring pass from Mike Bath to tight end Mike Sullivan to cut the lead to 17-7 with 3:52 to go in the half.

Then the bottom fell out on the RedHawks' comeback attempt. After Charles Spencer returned the ensuing kickoff 73 yards to the Miami 27, DeMarco McCleskey scored on a 2-yard pass from Deontey Kenner to go up 24-7. On the RedHawks' next offensive series, Bath was intercepted by UC's LaVar Glover, who returned the ball 30 yards to the end zone for a 31-7 halftime advantage.

"Their defense really set the tone for them today," said Miami coach Terry Hoeppner. "They made some big plays and forced some turnovers. Their offense played very well today. Obviously, they healed in the week off."

McCleskey, who had 72 yards on 12 carries, also added a 2-yard run.

The RedHawks (4-4) lost their third road game in a row -- their longest winless streak away from home since 1993.

Kenner completed 12-of-21 passes for 149 yards. Bath was 14-of-30 for 189 yards with both interceptions. Despite his sub-par day, Bath did become the RedHawks' all-time leader in both passing yardage (5,954) and total offense (6,420). He eclipsed Sam Ricketts in both categories.

Senior backup quarterback John Schacke, who completed 5-of-11 passes, tossed his first career TD pass -- a 14-yarder to Jason Branch.

Ray Jackson, who led all rushers with 93 yards on 15 carries, had a 24-yard TD run for Cincinnati. Miami's Steve Little, who was making a bid for his third 100-yard game in four outings, finished with 92 yards on 22 carries.

"We lost a big game and now we have to regroup," said Hoeppner. "We have a huge game at home next week (vs. Ohio) and we have to be ready. The worst thing we can do is quit."

Miami played without its top wide receiver threat in Sly Johnson and also lost leading receiver Ty Buxton with a deep thigh bruise midway through the second quarter.