Cincinnati kicks off second Big 12 season against Towson of Coastal Athletic League

Towson at Cincinnati, Saturday 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

BetMGM College Football Odds: No line.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

A Cincinnati team mostly pieced together with transfers was terrible last year in its Big 12 debut — finishing 3-9 overall and just 1-8 in the conference. The Bearcats should fare better in coach Scott Satterfield’s second season, but the opener against the FCS Towson Tigers may not be much of an indication. This will be the only tune-up game for the Bearcats, who face Pittsburgh in Week 2. The squad from suburban Baltimore is looking for improvement under second-year coach Pete Shinnick. The Tigers finished 5-6 overall and 4-4 in the Coastal Athletic Association. The opener against the Bearcats, the Tigers’ only FBS opponent, will be a measuring-stick game.

KEY MATCHUP

Cincinnati’s running game vs. Towson’s defensive front. Bearcats RB Corey Kiner rushed for 1,047 yards and five touchdowns last season behind an offensive line that returns all five starters.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Towson: The Tigers bring back their best player from a year ago, tight end Carter Runyon. Runyon made 43 receptions for a CAA-best 549 yards and four touchdowns. He was named a preseason FCS All-American.

Cincinnati: QB Brendan Sorsby. The Bearcats are hoping the Indiana transfer can reinvigorate their offense and create more explosive plays.

FACTS & FIGURES

Cincinnati’s defense allowed 176.9 yards per game in 2023. That ranked 111th nationally. ... The Bearcats lost Jalen Hunt and Mikah Coleman from last year’s defensive line. The team’s best player, DT Dontay Corleone, has been sidelined because of blood clots. ... Last year’s starting QB at Towson, Nathan Kent, competed throughout training camp with Carlos Davis, who is at his fourth school in as many years. .... Towson TE Carter Runyon was a second-team FCS All-American last year, recording 43 catches for 543 yards and four touchdowns. ... Sorsby was named Cincinnati’s starting quarterback after a close competition with returner Brady Lichtenberg and true freshman Samaj Jones.

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