Preview: Baylor at No. 21 Cincinnati

Homecoming week is always special on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. But this year, it carries extra weight. The Bearcats, winners of six straight and climbing the Big 12 standings and national rankings, welcome the Baylor Bears to Nippert Stadium on Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN2 — a matchup that will test both teams’ resolve and identity as the stretch run of the season begins.

 

(Photo: Taylor Keeton / Bearcatsportshub)

 

Head coach Scott Satterfield’s group enters with confidence after a statement win at Oklahoma State last week, where Cincinnati’s defense delivered two takeaways in the fourth quarter to seal a 49–17 victory. It was the type of road win that can galvanize a locker room, and Satterfield made clear just how proud he was of his team’s fight.

 

“I’m proud of our guys,” Satterfield said in his weekly press conference. “On the road in the Big 12, it’s always hard, but I thought our guys were very resilient. They went out and played hard, played physical, all the way to the end. The second half really could have gone either way… getting a couple turnovers, including the pick six finishing it off — it was a great environment out there, and I’m really proud of the way we finished.”

 

Now the focus shifts to Baylor — and the challenge is different. The Bears enter boasting the No. 1 passing offense in the country, a unit that thrives on vertical throws and quick tempo. Satterfield knows his defense will have to adjust its approach after facing back-to-back mobile quarterbacks in UCF and Oklahoma State.

 

“This quarterback at Baylor is looking to throw the ball down the field,” Satterfield explained. “They have some really good weapons on the outside. You have to defend it a little bit differently… you don’t have to worry as much about the quarterback taking off and running. But you have to worry about his accuracy, his strong arm, and the ability to throw the ball in tight windows.”

 

Baylor's quarterback, Sawyer Robertson, has completed 183-of-300 passing attempts for 2,376 yards and 21 touchdowns. On the flip side, Robertson has also thrown seven interceptions, including three in the Bears' 42-36 loss to TCU.

 

(Photo: Baylor Athletics)

 

“Really disappointed on Saturday and frustrated,” Aranda said earlier this week. “We’re trying to use that for a big week this week, and so far so good in terms of meetings and practice. The energy was really strong. Leadership really strong. So I’m proud of how we’re starting to respond.”

 

Aranda knows his team will have to play better and respond at a high level for the Bears to leave Cincinnati with a win.

 

“For Saturday, this is the best team we’ve played,” Aranda said. “You look at the film — clearly the best team, most complete team. They don’t make mistakes. They don’t beat themselves. Really good offensive line, quarterback play, running back play. They’ve got receivers who can make you miss. And defensively, they swarm to the football. They’re physical, they’re impressed, and so it’s going to take our best effort.”

 

 

Offensive Outlook

 

If the Bearcats are going to keep their win streak alive, they’ll need another efficient and patient performance from quarterback Brendan Sorsby. The redshirt junior has quietly become the steady hand guiding Cincinnati’s offense — distributing the ball to a wide range of targets and minimizing turnovers.

 

“Every week has been the mindset of, let’s go score as much as possible,” Sorsby said. “We know the offense that’s on the other side of the ball, but every week’s the same goal — we have to put up points. The attention to detail in practice has continued to elevate, and we’ve definitely been on our A-game.”

 

The emphasis on spreading the wealth has been central to Cincinnati’s success. Eleven different players have caught passes this season, and the running backs have remained a consistent part of the attack.

 

Satterfield praised Sorsby’s ability to trust his reads and allow the offense to flow naturally.

 

“He’s done a really good job of taking what the defense gives us,” Satterfield said. “In the past, I’ve had maybe one or two guys we want to get the ball to. That’s not the case this year. We’ve got a bunch of guys who can make plays. It’s more about calling the play because of how it looks against the defense — and not really caring where the ball goes. That’s why you’ve seen the distribution we’ve had.”

 

There's also the dual-threat aspect of Sorsby's game to account for.

 

“Sorsby’s a really good runner,” Aranda said. “There’s intentional runs for him on third down and when they get into the goal line or red zone. He’s a good player. We’ve got examples of him running over linebackers and D-linemen. They’re a physical, downhill team. There’s not a bunch of third and longs because they’re so efficient.”

 

(Photo: Taylor Keeton / Bearcatsportshub )

 

Aranda went on to praise the UC offensive line, as well as running backs Evan Pryor and Tawee Walker.

 

"They’ve got a really good offensive line,” Aranda said. “They chip protect on the outside with tight ends and running backs to help their tackles. The run game is embedded into everything. So we’ve got to look at what the quarterback doesn’t like and find our opportunities to pressure within that.”

 

The offensive line continues to set the tone for a group that’s allowed Sorsby time to operate. Senior Gavin Gerhardt said the success comes down to routine and trust.

 

“We’ve been really intentional about how we prepare,” Gerhardt noted. “Every guy in that room knows their job, and we’ve built a lot of confidence week to week. Coach Satt always says it — our Tuesday and Wednesday practices are where we win games.”

 

 

Defensive Outlook

 

Cincinnati’s defense has found its rhythm midway through the season, forcing key turnovers and holding opponents to just 18 points per game during the six-game streak. A major factor in that resurgence has been the presence — even at less than full health — of star defensive tackle Dontay Corleone.

 

“We’re trying to work him back in,” Satterfield said. “He’s not 100%, but having his presence out there is huge for us. He probably won’t play more than 35 snaps, but his leadership and energy are invaluable.”

 

The Bearcats’ approach to creating pressure has been selective. Satterfield knows his defense must strike the right balance between aggression and control — especially against Baylor’s quick-trigger passing game.

 

“There’s a fine line,” Satterfield said. “If you bring pressure and they get out, it’s probably a touchdown. But if you don’t, they can sit back there. We’ve mixed it up — sometimes we rush three and use that linebacker spot to create pressure. We’ll need to continue that. You can’t let them sit back there all day, especially with the quarterbacks we’re facing down the stretch.”

 

Senior cornerback Logan Wilson echoed his coach’s sentiment about defensive discipline being key this week.

 

“We know they want to throw it deep, and that’s a challenge we embrace,” Wilson said. “As a secondary, it comes down to communication and trusting the call. We’ve been better at forcing turnovers, and that has to continue.”

 

The Bears have four receivers with 377 yards or more on the season, led by senior Josh Cameron, who has 542 yards and three touchdowns on 40 receptions. Other notable Baylor receivers include tight end Michael Trigg (32 rec, 495 yards), Ashtyn Hawkins (31 rec, 399 yds), and Kole Wilson (27 rec, 377 yds, 3 td's).

 

For reference, Caleb Goodie leads the Bearcats in yards with 359, while Cyrus Allen leads the Cats in receptions with 30.

 

Despite what the stats say, the Bears continue to search for offensive rhythm, as Aranda emphasized the need to clean up “mental errors” that have stalled drives.

 

“When you watch the film, effort-wise, pushing piles and moving bodies — that’s there,” he said. “But then in a critical moment, we’ve got to go right and we go left. Or a protection change happens, and we miss it. It’s unacceptable and it hurt us in critical moments.”

 

The Bears have relied on a committee of running backs, led by Bryson Washington, Caden Knighten, and Mike Turner, who provided a spark in Baylor’s most recent outing.

 

“One of the few positives from this last game was Mike Turner’s play and his ability to spark the run game,” Aranda said. “There’s a lot to build off of there.”

 

Aranda also emphasized that Baylor must regain its explosive edge on the ground — something that’s been missing this season.

 

“We need those next-level runs, those 10, 15, 20-yard runs to open things up,” he explained. “Right now we’re getting some four- or five-yard runs, which help us stay ahead of the chains, but we need those explosive runs to settle everyone down and create rhythm.”

 

Satterfield: “They’re Playing With a Chip”

Perhaps the biggest difference between this year’s Cincinnati team and last year’s 5-7 squad is mentality. Satterfield believes his players have adopted a relentless mindset built on preparation and accountability.

 

“They’re absolutely playing with a chip on their shoulder,” Satterfield said. “Every time we go out to the practice field or game field, we have something to prove. That’s the way they’re preparing. It’s all about our process — how we prepare, how we take care of our bodies, and how we practice. That’s showing up on game day.”

 

That message has clearly resonated with Sorsby, who says the team isn’t satisfied with just being bowl eligible.

 

“It’s great to see more wins than we had last year,” Sorsby said. “But that’s not the end goal. Everybody in the building knows that. Last year, we were 5-2 and lost five straight. This year, we’re not letting that happen. We’re taking one game at a time, and we’re ready to keep going.”

 

For Baylor, Aranda noted that this week's practices have brought out vocal leadership within the locker room — something he believes is vital as the Bears face what he described as a “fourth-and-one” moment in their season.

 

“It’s probably a little more volatile, which I think is good,” he said. “Some people only really listen when it’s that way. It’s gotten louder, but it’s positive. Guys are stretching their leadership, maybe where they’re uncomfortable, but they know that’s where they’ve got to go.”

 

The Homecoming Stage

Saturday’s game will be as much about maintaining momentum as it is about celebration. For the Bearcats, homecoming provides a chance to showcase just how far the program has come in Satterfield’s third season — from rebuilding to a legitimate Big 12 contender.

 

“These guys are fun to be around,” Satterfield said with a smile. “They love being around each other, and that shows in how they play. Winning is fun, but what’s even better is watching how intentional they are in their work every week.”

 

“They don’t make mistakes,” Aranda said. “They don’t beat themselves. You can see they play together. They’re confident and efficient.”

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Both teams enter the matchup with urgency — Baylor looking to salvage momentum and Cincinnati seeking to solidify its place among the Big 12’s rising contenders. Aranda knows the magnitude of the moment for his team.

 

“Everyone’s hungry for a win,” he said. “There’s talent on this team, there’s a strong care factor. We’ve got to put it together. It’s going to take our best effort.”

 

Both teams have plenty at stake — the Bearcats trying to stay perfect in conference play and the Bears aiming to spoil homecoming and reassert their offensive prowess.

 

If Satterfield’s squad continues to play “clean football” — as he often preaches — Nippert Stadium will once again be loud and the true home field advantage that it is known for.

 

“We’re playing really good as a team,” Satterfield said. “It’s not just one side of the ball. All three units have made plays for us. That’s what’s fun to see — great team play.”

 

Cincinnati (6-1, 4-0 Big 12) and Baylor (4-3, 2-2) kick off Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET inside a sold-out Nippert Stadium.