Cincinnati, Iowa State prepare for inaugural meeting

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th October, 16:34 2023

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Emory Jones (5) Cincinnati Bearcats running back Corey Kiner (21) in the first quarter during a college football game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Cincinnati Bearcats, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. credits: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Football history will be made Saturday when Iowa State travels to Cincinnati for the first meeting between the two programs.

You can thank the Bearcats' admittance into the Big 12 for the inaugural clash between teams that both have seen their ups and downs this season.

Iowa State (3-3, 2-1) enters with a little momentum following a 27-14 home victory over TCU last Saturday.

The Cyclones will attempt to win consecutive games for the first time this season.

Iowa State has struggled on offense, averaging just 323 yards and 21.8 points per game. Rocco Becht has thrown for 1,223 yards and 10 touchdowns, with five interceptions. He completed 16 of 28 passes for 138 yards and a score in the win against TCU.

The Cyclones rank fifth in the Big 12 in scoring defense and are coming off a four-interception performance against the Horned Frogs.

"The fact of the matter is we still haven't come anywhere close to what we're capable of playing," Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. "That's exciting."

On the other side of the field, Cincinnati (2-3, 0-2) saw its losing streak reach three with a 35-27 setback at BYU in its most recent game on Sept. 29.

This is the second home game in the Big 12 for the Bearcats, who fell 20-6 to then-No. 16 Oklahoma on Sept. 23.

"Well-rested team," Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said of coming off a bye week. "Last week, I thought our guys did a great job coming out and working. There were a few things we were trying to get better at. You go back in an off-week, you always look and see things you're deficient at. We certainly worked on those things."

Led by running back Corey Kiner (405 yards on 76 carries), quarterback Emory Jones (62.1 completion percentage, 1,226 yards) and wideout Xzavier Henderson (30 receptions, 414 yards), Cincinnati's offense is averaging 30 points a game and will be a test for Iowa State's defense.

—Field Level Media