Kansas football vs. Cincinnati: Five things to know about upcoming Big 12 clash
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas enters as 6.5-point favorite for Big 12 opener vs. Cincinnati
- Cincinnati defense ranks No. 20 nationally, allowing just 13.3 points per game
- Dual-threat QB Brendan Sorsby poses key test for Kansas pass and rush defense
Kansas football made it look easy against West Virginia on Saturday. The Jayhawks (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) won 41-10 behind a strong defensive performance.
Cincinnati (2-1), meanwhile, had a bye week and opens Big 12 play vs. the Jayhawks on Saturday.
Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s game:
KU football vs. Cincinnati game details
Kickoff: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (Lawrence)
TV: TNT
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City
Early betting line: Kansas is a 6.5-point favorite.
Five things to know about KU-Cincinnati
1. This game will be the fourth meeting between both sides. The Jayhawks lead the all-time series 2-1. That includes a 49-16 win in the most recent game (2023). The first matchup between KU and UC was in 1995; the Jayhawks won 23-18.
2. Cincinnati’s defense is off to a strong start. The Bearcats rank No. 20 in the country in points allowed per game (13.3). Opponents are averaging just 92 rushing yards on 2.6 yards per carry. That said, KU’s offense will be the Bearcats’ biggest test since playing Nebraska at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
3. Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has had an excellent start to the season. So far, Sorsby has 655 passing yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. He’s also added 175 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Kansas has struggled to contain dual-threat QBs over the years (and this season, with Beau Pribula), so Sorsby will certainly test the defense.
4. Linebacker Jake Golday is the player to watch on the Bearcats’ defense. He leads the team in total tackles (28) and solo tackles (10). He also has two sacks, tied with linebacker Brian Simms III as the most on the team. He was All-Big 12 honorable mention for the 2024 season, so he’s picking up where he left off.
5. The Bearcats have a balanced rushing attack. UC is averaging 183.7 rushing yards per game on 6.5 yards per carry. Still, there’s not one player averaging even 60 yards per game. Sorsby leads the squad with 58.3 rushing yards per game, followed by Tawee Walker (50.3) and Evan Pryor (33.3). KU’s defense is allowing 133 rushing yards per game on 3.7 YPC. How the Jayhawks’ defense fares vs. the balanced rushing attack of the Bearcats could play a pivotal role in this game.
