CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati football team showcased an impressive performance on Saturday, defeating No. 14/12 Iowa State with a score of 38-30 in front of a sold-out crowd at Historic Nippert Stadium. Star quarterback Brendan Sorsby led the charge with three touchdown passes, which helped the Bearcats establish a commanding 31-7 lead early in the matchup.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Cincinnati, representing their highest-ranked win at Nippert Stadium since they triumphed over No. 7 Rutgers in 2006. The Bearcats’ defense also made crucial stops throughout the game, particularly a pivotal 4th-and-1 play where linebacker Jake Golday halted Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht’s advance, allowing Cincinnati to regain possession. Shortly after, Sorsby connected with Caleb Goodie for an electrifying 82-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 38-22 with just under six minutes remaining.
Despite Iowa State’s relentless effort, including a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to narrow the score to 38-30 in the closing moments, Cincinnati managed to control the clock effectively before punting and sealing their victory. This win brings Cincinnati’s season record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play.
Head coach Scott Satterfield praised his team’s focus leading up to the game, especially after their previous victory against Kansas. “The mentality was right where it needed to be,” he remarked, highlighting how critical their preparation was for the matchup against Iowa State.
Iowa State’s Becht had a noteworthy game as well, passing for 314 yards and scoring four total touchdowns, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Bearcats. Cincinnati dominated on the ground, rushing for a season-high 260 yards, with Evan Pryor leading the charge with 111 yards on just ten carries, including two touchdowns.
The Bearcats displayed a formidable offensive performance, scoring on all five of their first-half possessions and notching a total of 342 yards by halftime. Sorsby’s successful passes, including a key third-down throw to Goodie, proved instrumental in sustaining their drives and building momentum.
As the game progressed, Iowa State rallied slightly, narrowing the score after a long touchdown drive, but Cincinnati’s defense held firm when it mattered most. The return of defensive standout Dontay Corleone added strength to the defense, where his presence was felt consistently throughout the game.
Next, Cincinnati will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face UCF at Historic Nippert Stadium on Saturday, October 11, with the game slated for noon. The Bearcats are eager to continue their winning ways and further establish themselves in the Big 12 conference.