Kansas State and Cincinnati face off in Big 12 opener

The Kansas State Wildcats and Cincinnati Bearcats, both holding 3-0 records, will face each other this Saturday at Nippert Stadium for their Big 12 Conference opener. The matchup features a significant clash between Kansas State’s top-ranked scoring defense and Cincinnati’s offensive efforts.

Kansas State, led by head coach Collin Klein, seeks its first 4-0 start since 2012. Quarterback Avery Johnson has been a standout performer, recently becoming the first player in school history to record at least 200 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in a single game. The Wildcats' offensive line has also shown strength, allowing pressure on fewer than 15% of opposing pass-rush opportunities during their first two games.

Cincinnati enters the game looking to maintain its momentum, having achieved a 3-0 start for the first time since 2021. Quarterback JC French IV has maintained a high completion rate of over 75% with no interceptions through the first three games. Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield noted that the game will likely be decided by the battle between the defensive and offensive lines.