CINCINNATI (AP) — One year in the Big 12 – and only one conference win to show for it.
The Cincinnati Bearcats’ first season after moving from the American Athletic Conference was a disappointment. In 2023, the Bearcats finished the season 3-9 and just 1-8 in Big 12 games. That included an 0-5 record at home and four losses by 20 points or more.
Despite winning their first Big 12 game in Houston, the Bearcats lost their last two games by a combined score of 91-37.
“Learned a lot last year,” said coach Scott Satterfield. “It was obviously a difficult season for us, our first year in the Big 12. I’m looking forward to year two.”
With the addition of four new teams, the Big 12 is now 16 teams this season, so things aren’t going to get any easier for the Bearcats. Satterfield is hoping a rigorous offseason training program will pay off.
“We have implemented an offseason program, the most difficult offseason program I have ever seen and been through, and our players will attest to that,” Satterfield said. “Hopefully that will lead to more success on the field.”
Points needed
Offensive coordinator Brad Glenn said the focus will be on developing more explosive plays and converting in the red zone. The Bearcats ranked 109th nationally in red zone scoring percentage last season.
“Last season we averaged 23, 24 points per game. In the Big 12, that’s not enough,” Glenn said. “We have to be efficient and get the ball into the end zone.”
The good news
The Bearcats return their entire offensive line, running back Corey Kiner and wide receiver Xzavier Henderson. Kiner rushed for 1,047 yards (5.5 yards per carry) this season. Henderson caught 58 passes for 782 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with the Bearcats after transferring from Florida.
The Bearcats ranked sixth in the country with an average of 217.1 rushing yards per game and were one of four Big 12 teams to finish in the top 10 nationally in rushing.
Quarterback battle
Brendan Sorsby, a transfer from Indiana, is the projected starter at quarterback this season, but Satterfield expects tough competition for the QB position in camp. The Bearcats also have first-year player Samaj Jones and third-year player Brady Lichtenberg.
Satterfield said the starting quarterback will be announced about a week before the season opener.
“I think it was a great summer for the guys who competed, and I tell you, it doesn’t hurt to have several guys who can play at the quarterback position,” he said.
Trainer room
Star defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is still working on recovering from blood clots in his lungs that were discovered last month. Satterfield said he is “optimistic” that Corleone will be able to play again. Satterfield said edge rusher Mikah Coleman, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, is out for the rest of the season with a lower-body injury.
The schedule
The Bearcats play Towson at home on August 31. Cincinnati avoids four of the top five teams in the Big 12 preseason media poll. Five Big 12 opponents were not on the 2023 schedule. Key games include: Texas Tech on September 28, Colorado on October 26, Iowa State on November 16 and against TCU on November 30.
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AP College Football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll And https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
