4 days ago3 min read

Cincinnati Visits Kansas State Looking for Bowl Eligibility

Kansas State Quarterback Avery Johnson — © Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bearcats (5-5, 3-4 Big 12 Conference) will travel to Manhattan, Kansas to face the Kansas State Wildcats (7-3, 4-3) at 8:p.m. EST on Nov. 23 in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Cincinnati comes into this game on a three-game losing streak while K-State has lost two in a row. Kansas State averages scoring 29.5 points a game while giving up 21.9 points. The Bearcats give up 23.4 points a game while scoring 27.4 per game.

What's at Stake?

Cincinnati has two more games to attain bowl eligibility in its second season in the Big 12 Conference. Even if the Bearcats come up short they have shown improvement from their first year in the conference when they finished 3-9.

Cincinnati Quarterback Brendan Sorsby — © Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Kansas State is playing for a better bowl game after tripping up the last two weeks against Houston (4-6, 3-4) and No. 21 Arizona State (8-2, 5-2). The Wildcats will be looking to develop young guys who will be back next season to make a run at the Big 12 Championship in quarterback Avery Johnson's second season as a starter.

Key Players: Kansas State

QB Avery Johnson

The Wildcats' signal-caller has had a couple of rough games the past two weeks, throwing for 496 yards 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions. Head coach Chris Klieman said during his weekly press conference that he wants Johnson to be released and use his legs when possible. That makes sense, given his explosive athleticism.

Safety Marques Sigle

The team leader in interceptions, with 3, will be counted upon to keep the K-State secondary in order after a tough week in stopping Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson who piled up 176 yards and 2 TDs. If the defense can limit big plays, Kansas State should have a good shot at beating Cincinnati.

Key Players: Cincinnati

QB Brendan Sorsby

Last week in the game against No. 22 Iowa State (8-2, 5-2), Sorsby threw for 66 yards but was effective on the ground, running for 141 yards and a touchdown. But Kansas State has the best rushing defense in the Big 12 giving up 101.8 yards a game. So, if Cincinnati wants to leave Manhattan, Kans. with a win they will need Sorsby to throw the football better than he did against the Cyclones.

LB Jared Bartlett

Bartlett has 7.5 sacks, which is good enough for second in the conference behind K-State's Brendan Mott. He is also the team lead with 55 tackles. If Bartlett can help the defense slow down the Kansas State rushing attack and perform as a game-wrecker, getting pressure on Johnson, that should keep the Bearcats in the game.

What to Watch For

Whose offense will be able to move the ball consistently and not have to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns? Both teams have struggled to score these last few weeks, so this game will come down to who makes fewer mistakes. Kansas State will be looking to run up-tempo on offense, Johnson looks more comfortable when the team moves with pace. Cincinnati will have to get the passing game going against a K-State defense that is giving up 234.7 yards a game which is 12th in the conference.