The Cincinnati Bearcats are aiming to set a positive tone for the upcoming season as they kick off against FCS team Towson on Saturday.
This marks the Bearcats’ second year in the Big 12, which has expanded to 16 teams by adding four new programs this season. Saturday’s game is the first in a series of three nonconference matchups before they dive into their challenging conference slate.
Facing Towson provides Cincinnati with an opportunity to start refining their performance.
After a tough transition from the American Athletic Conference, the Bearcats’ inaugural season in the Big 12 ended poorly with a 3-9 record and just 1-8 in conference play.
“We put in a lot of hard work this offseason to deliver a better performance on the field,” said Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield. “We sit here uncertain about how these teams will perform. In this time of so much turnover, it’s hard to predict.”
New QB in Cincinnati
Last week, Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield named Brendan Sorsby, a third-year quarterback and Indiana transfer, as the starting quarterback.
“I was really excited,” Sorsby remarked. “It was a fantastic camp and a great spring. I’m just eager to lead this team and win some games.”
Sorsby started seven games for the Hoosiers in 2023 after redshirting in 2022, with a standout performance being five touchdown passes against Illinois.
“There’s definitely an appropriate time to be aggressive,” Sorsby explained. “Being aggressive can lead to more mistakes, but it can also create great plays that wouldn’t occur if you were too cautious. It’s important to trust in our preparation, see the opportunities, take them, and enjoy the game.”
Fourth-year running back Corey Kiner, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, will be a key player for the running game.
‘The Godfather’ Out
Third-year defensive tackle Dontay Corleone will miss Saturday’s game as he recovers from blood clots in his lungs.
“We’re taking it day by day with Dontay,” Satterfield shared. “He has been training with the team all summer.”
Corleone, who is an AP preseason All-American, is regarded as one of the top defensive linemen in the nation.
Tigers Aiming for Improvement
Towson is coming off a 5-6 season, marking their fourth consecutive year outside the FCS playoffs.
“I’m really pleased with the level of conditioning and physicality we maintained during camp,” said coach Pete Shinnick. “We have more players who grasp every aspect of the program. This growth and understanding have been incredibly helpful in moving us forward compared to where we were at this time last year.”
The team is led by fourth-year quarterback Nathan Kent, who as the starter in 2023 passed for over 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“Nathan has made significant progress,” Shinnick noted.
New Defense Strategy
Cincinnati has adopted a 3-3-5 defensive scheme in hopes of improving on the 30 points per game allowed last season.
“Towson will spread us out,” Satterfield said. “They’ll implement strategies to put pressure on us. The key is whether we can prevent them from getting behind us—that’s what I’m most focused on.”
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