Cincinnati Bearcats with a day of firsts against Pitt Panthers

Getting out to a 27-13 after three quarters Saturday against the Pitt Panthers, the Cincinnati Bearcats continued to rack up a lot of first-time achievements. Just no one figured on them blowing their lead and losing 28-27 on a Ben Sauls field goal with 17 seconds left which would win the game.

Quarterback Eli Holstein directed four straight scoring drives after Pitt trailed 27-6 with 4:50 left in the third quarter and the Panthers pulled the improbable comeback with 22 unanswered points.

It was also UC's first blown lead, but here are more uplifting firsts

Among those shining on a bright sunny day in UC's red uniforms was Elder product Joe Royer who racked up his first touchdown for the Bearcats on UC's opening drive of the second half. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby ran 16 yards and parted "The Red Sea" in front of the Ring of Red student section. That score gave UC a 24-6 lead midway through the third quarter. That lead would be 27-6 before Pitt began its march back.

UC football Pitt updates Cincinnati Bearcats football vs. Pitt: Live updates, highlights from Week 2 game

More Cincinnati Bearcats firsts on a 'Ring of Red' Saturday

A pick by Josh Minkins Jr.

With Pitt rolling on its opening drive, Louisville transfer Josh Minkins Jr. picked off an Eli Holstein pass intended for Kenny Johnson in the end zone, spoiling the scoring opportunity for Pitt at the 9:07 mark of the opening quarter. It was the first UC interception for Minkins Jr. and the third of his career.

Brendan Sorsby finds Jamoi Mayes for touchdown

Shut out in the opener vs. Towson, Sorsby found the Chattanooga/UAB transfer streaking down the right sideline for a 52-yard touchdown. It was the first catch for Mayes, who had over 100 in his career at Chattanooga, as a Bearcat. The score came less than two minutes after the end zone interception by Minkins Jr.

Brendan Sorsby finds Tony Johnson for touchdown

Likewise, Johnson caught many balls at Florida Atlantic, making him appealing to the UC offense. With 1:11 left in the first quarter, Johnson's first UC reception was a 5-yard touchdown, giving UC a 14-3 lead.

Corey Kiner, Tyrin Smith catch passes

Running back Kiner went without a reception in week one but had a pair by halftime Saturday. Smith, an accomplished receiver at UTEP before coming to Cincinnati, also had his first reception, a 12-yard effort. Smith also replaced Michael Mussari on the day as UC's punt returner.

After hitting a 49-yard field goal earlier, Carter Brown missed a 25-yarder late in the first half. Pitt marched down and Sauls hit his second field goal, a 53-yarder to cut UC's halftime lead to 17-6.

With 10 consecutive third-quarter points, a 21-point lead seemed safe. Instead, it was Pitt's biggest comeback win since 1971 against Navy when the Panthers trailed 35-10 but came back to beat the Midshipmen 36-35.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats continue to record 'firsts' vs. Pitt Panthers