Preview: #14 Iowa State at Cincinnati
The stage is set for a noon showdown in the Queen City as the Cincinnati Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) return home to face off against the No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones (5-0, 2-0) at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, live on ESPN2.
It’s a clash of momentum versus consistency: the Bearcats are riding high after capturing their first Big 12 win of the season on the road at Kansas, while the Cyclones arrive undefeated and boasting one of the most disciplined and balanced defenses in the nation.
(Photo: Jeff Spour- Iowa State Athletics)
For Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield, Saturday is about more than just football—it's about atmosphere, identity, and seizing a major opportunity.
“We're going to be playing in front of a sold-out stadium here in Nippert. Very excited about that,” Satterfield said this week. “We’ve got the most recruits that we've ever had coming to a game since we've been here… it’s going to be outstanding. We can't wait for Saturday at noon to kick this thing off against a really good football team.”
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell discussed the challenges for his team heading into Saturday.
“I would just say as I look at this Cincinnati team compared to, you know, maybe what we played, it's the most complete team that we're going to play this year. They've scored points in all their games and [are] playing great football… You're talking about the most complete football team we've played."
Battle-Tested Bearcats: Confidence After a Road Statement
Coming off a gritty 37-34 road win over Kansas, Cincinnati’s locker room feels different. Redshirt junior quarterback Brendan Sorsby—who led a late game-winning drive—credits the team’s growing belief and composure under pressure.
“There was a little bit of adversity there like the rest of the game, but we found a way to persevere and come out on top,” said Sorsby. “We've been in so many close games since I've been here, and it felt good to win one of them.”
That belief was most evident on fourth-and-10, when junior wide receiver Noah Jennings hauled in a one-handed, game-saving grab that’s been making the rounds on highlight reels all week.
“It’s crazy how truly a game of inches football is,” Sorsby said. “That was another one of those passes where I didn’t see it because I got hit low, but hearing the crowd reactions, I knew he pulled it in. Credit to him.”
Satterfield didn’t downplay the moment, either.
“Noah Jennings on fourth and 10. What an unbelievable play. But if you don't make that catch, we lose,” he said. “As good as Brendan played and all that, we still lose. You have to make those plays to win. Somebody does.”
Sorsby’s leadership has been pivotal in Cincinnati’s offensive turnaround. He’s spreading the ball around (nine players caught passes last week), and he’s learning how to win close games.
“Led by, I would tell you, an elite quarterback,” Campbell said. “Their quarterback is as good as I think we have faced," Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said earlier this week.
“His ability to use his feet and run in some critical moments and his ability to command the offense is uber impressive.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that Iowa State will be without their top two cornerbacks, Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, due to season ending injuries. Sorsby and the Bearcats will try to capitalize on the inexperience that will replace those two.
What to Expect From Iowa State
Despite being ranked 14th nationally, Iowa State comes in under the radar nationally but with a 5-0 record and a top-10 ranked defense in several categories. Much of that credit goes to veteran quarterback Rocco Becht, who has started over 30 games and thrown just two interceptions all season.
Satterfield is well aware of the challenge ahead.
“Rocco’s a heck of a football player. He’s like a coach on the field… He’s a winner. And how are you a winner? Because you're able to make plays,” said the Bearcats’ head coach. “They like to run the football, and that play-action game is strong. They have some really outstanding tight ends that are long and hard to defend.”
Becht carved up Cincinnati last year with timely throws and poise, and although this year’s teams look very different, Satterfield knows the importance of pressuring the QB.
“We would love for him to throw us a bunch [of interceptions], that'd be awesome,” Satterfield joked. “We just have to continue to keep playing. Each of the players that are out there have to do their job… You have to get pressure on a quarterback.”
For the season, Becht has completed 79-of-120 passing attempts for 1,103 yards and 7 touchdowns. Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (10 catches, 216 yards) has been his leading receiver, while tight end Benjamin Brahmer leads the team in receptions with 16 catches for 138 yards.
“He's like a coach on the field for them,” Satterfield said. “He’s not going to be phased or rattled… He’s a winner.”
Stopping Becht will require Cincinnati’s best defensive performance yet—particularly from a unit still seeking its first interception of the season.
“We want to create more turnovers,” said Satterfield. “You have to get pressure on a quarterback. You hope he throws into coverage or has to throw early. That’s how you get some interceptions.”
Cincinnati’s Defensive Focus
Defensive lineman Dontay Corleone, who missed last week’s game, is trending upward but remains questionable for Saturday. His presence could be a difference-maker in limiting Iowa State’s rushing attack.
“He's still questionable, but I do think he's trending in the right direction,” said Satterfield. “We love to have Dontay. He's a big part of our defense.”
If Corleone can't go, the pressure will fall on Jalen Hunt and Mikah Coleman to clog lanes and get pressure up front—something they executed well in Lawrence.
“Jalen was the key… He did a good job putting pressure on the quarterback,” said Satterfield. “If we can get Dontay back, now you get both of them out there—it’s hard for their offense.”
Offensive Focus
Cincinnati's offense has come alive over the past few weeks, with weapons across the board contributing. Nine different players caught passes against Kansas, and the backfield duo of Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor proved tough to stop late.
“We have a lot of playmakers, and we need to figure out ways to get them the ball,” Satterfield said. “We have some good weapons, and we need to distribute the football to all these weapons.”
Whether it’s Walker’s bruising style or Pryor’s shiftiness, expect the Bearcats to test Iowa State’s interior D with the ground game early—especially after last year’s game where the Bearcats struggled to hit passes but found running room.
“We’re going to need to be able to hit some throws,” said Satterfield. “There’s no question—that really hindered us last year.”
Home Field Advantage
Satterfield stressed the importance of making Nippert Stadium a true Big 12 advantage on Saturday.
“We have to create that same environment here in Nippert… When our crowd gets into it, when it's third down for Iowa State, they need to be going crazy,” he said. “That is a definite advantage for us, and certainly it will feed off of that.”
A win over a ranked team would mark a turning point in Cincinnati’s season and prove that the Bearcats can compete at the top level of the Big 12.
“Whatever time they tell us to play, our boys will be ready,” Satterfield said. “We need to be that place—packed, loud, rowdy—be ready to go, so we get a big win.”
Iowa State is no stranger to tough road environments—but Campbell made it clear that past experience means little against a team that will be feeding off the energy of their home crowd.
“That doesn't have any impact really on what we're doing,” Campbell said. “What we have to do is really be the best version of us.”
For Iowa State, it’s about maintaining perfection and pushing toward a Big 12 title chase. For Cincinnati, it’s a chance to knock off a ranked opponent, back up last week’s grit with another statement—and re-establish Nippert Stadium as a place no team wants to visit.
Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
TV: ESPN2
Line: Iowa State -3.5 (subject to change)