Can Cincinnati & Scott Satterfield Stay Undefeated? Bearcats vs Kansas St. College Football Preview

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The Chatterbox Bearcats crew previews the Cincinnati Bearcats matchup on Saturday vs Kansas State.

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Can Scott Satterfield’s Bearcats Stay Undefeated Against Kansas State?

Cincinnati and Kansas State have each won their first three games. On Saturday night, one of them will leave Nippert Stadium with a 4-0 record and a victory in its Big 12 opener.

For Scott Satterfield’s Bearcats, it is a chance to show that their unbeaten start can hold up against a conference opponent. Cincinnati has averaged 43.7 points and 491.7 yards through three games, but its latest win required a dramatic escape. UC trailed Miami (Ohio) 28-7 at halftime last Saturday before rallying to win 35-31 and retain the Victory Bell. Cole Tabb broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown with 1:29 remaining, and Antwan Peek Jr. sealed the comeback with a strip sack.

The comeback showed how dangerous Cincinnati can be when its offense finds a rhythm. It also showed what the Bearcats must avoid against Kansas State. Falling behind by three touchdowns made for a memorable rivalry win; repeating that start against a Wildcats team that has allowed just 10 points per game would be a much tougher assignment.

Quarterback JC French IV gives Cincinnati a strong foundation. He has completed 76.5% of his passes through three games, throwing for more than 600 yards without an interception. Against Miami, French passed for 309 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score. He also helped keep the winning drive alive with a fourth-down completion to tight end Gavin Grover before Tabb’s decisive run.

French has plenty of help on the ground. Cincinnati is averaging 269.7 rushing yards per game, with Tabb, Gi’Bran Payne and French each providing a different threat. Tabb has been especially explosive, averaging 11 yards per carry and scoring four total touchdowns on just 21 touches. Establishing that run game would take pressure off French against a Kansas State defense that has allowed an FBS-low 85.7 passing yards per game.

The most demanding matchup for Cincinnati’s defense is Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson. In the Wildcats’ 31-20 win over Tulane, Johnson threw for 227 yards and ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first player in Kansas State history to reach 200 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in the same game. Cincinnati will have to account for him on designed runs and when passing plays break down.

New Kansas State head coach Collin Klein has opened his tenure with wins over Nicholls, Washington State and Tulane. His offense has averaged 45.3 points through those games, while the Wildcats have been disciplined enough to rank among the nation’s least-penalized teams. Cincinnati cannot count on mistakes to slow them down.

There is one intriguing connection on the other sideline. Cincinnati defensive coordinator Nate Woody led Army’s defense last season when it held Kansas State to 48 total yards in the second half of a 24-21 victory. The personnel and coaching staff are different now, but Woody has recent experience preparing for Johnson and the Wildcats.

Saturday is also a chance for Cincinnati to start 4-0 for the first time under Satterfield. The Bearcats have shown they can score in bunches and recover when a game gets away from them. Against Kansas State, the next step is putting together a more complete performance: start faster, contain Johnson and give French and the running game room to work.

Cincinnati hosts Kansas State on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.