Jayhawks Battle Bearcats to Continue Conference Homestand

The Kansas Jayhawks (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) will host the Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) on Saturday for their second consecutive conference game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The Family Weekend matchup is scheduled for an 11 a.m. kickoff and will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.

Kansas enters the game with significant momentum following a 41-10 dismantling of West Virginia in their conference opener. The Jayhawks’ defense was stifling, forcing eight punts—the most in a Big 12 game since 2017—and allowing the fewest points in a conference matchup since 2007. This defensive prowess has been a theme at home, where Kansas has outscored opponents 118-24 across three games this season.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels led the offense with another efficient, turnover-free performance against the Mountaineers, throwing for three touchdowns and adding 69 yards on the ground. Daniels has 12 passing touchdowns this season, third-most in the nation. Running back Leshon Williams, an Iowa transfer, had a breakout game with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also catching his first scoring pass of the year alongside Levi Wentz and Boden Groen.

Defensively, linebacker Trey Lathan continued his strong play against West Virginia with a sack and a 32-yard interception return. Lathan, a transfer from West Virginia, leads the team with 28 tackles. Defensive linemen Dean Miller and Blake Herold also made significant contributions, combining for 14 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

The Jayhawks will face a well-rested Cincinnati team coming off a bye week. The Bearcats last played on September 13, securing a 70-0 victory over Northwestern State. Cincinnati is led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who has been a dual-threat weapon, accumulating 655 passing yards with eight touchdowns and only one interception, complemented by 175 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Key targets for Sorsby include All-Big 12 tight end Joe Royer and transfer wide receivers Cyrus Allen and Jeff Caldwell, who have combined for 317 receiving yards and four scores.

Saturday marks the fourth all-time meeting between the programs, with Kansas holding a 2-1 series lead. The Jayhawks defeated the Bearcats 49-16 last season in their first matchup since 1997. The game will be Cincinnati’s first visit to Lawrence since 1995.



Source link