The Cincinnati Bearcats (3-8, 1-7 Big 12) welcomed in the Kansas Jayhawks (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) for their final home game of the season as Scott Satterfield and the Bearcats look to revenge their 42-21 loss to West Virginia last week. The Bearcats entered the all-time series with the Jayhawks tied at one game apiece as the two teams have only squared off twice in program history.
The Bearcats will honor 24 seniors ahead of this one for their annual Senior Day as a thanks for everything they have contributed to the University of Cincinnati over the last four-to-five years.
Some injury related news for Kansas they would welcome back starting quarterback Jason Bean after missing last week’s game vs Kansas State due to injury. Beam has done a great job filling in for Jalon Daniels, as the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year has missed majority of the season due to a back injury. Now for the Bearcats, Brady Lichtenberg would also look to be available for the Bearcats despite suffering a rib injury vs West Virginia last week.
The Jayhawks are known to wear teams down as they average nearly 423 yards of total offense per game, with 204 of those yards on the ground as they are led by junior running back Devin Neal who has rushed for 1,103 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. Neal, is a vital piece for the Jayhawks and the Bearcats have struggled defending the run this season after seeing Oklahoma States Ollie Gordon, UCF’s RJ Harvey both have career day vs the Bearcats. I fully expect the Jayhawks to get him involved very early here tonight.
Final Stats
The Jayhawks would dominate the Bearcats on all aspects of this one as the Jayhawks took the lead early in the second quarter and never looked back. The Jayhawks out-gained the Bearcats 562-342 tonight which was a huge factor as the Jayhawks averaged nearly 12 yards per play. The Jayhawks also recorded four drives that resulted in touchdowns that all lasted under 90 seconds which is very impressive as they were just shredding the Bearcats defense apart.
Jason Bean finished the game 13-of-17 for 250 yards and two touchdowns through the air despite completing his first 10 passes of the night. Bean also ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries. The senior looked as healthy as ever after missing last week’s game due to injury.
Devin Neal finished with a game high 108 rushing yards including two touchdowns for the Jayhawks. Neal continued to prove why he is arguably one of the best running backs in the Big 12 with his dominant performance here tonight.
Corey Kiner led the Bearcats as the junior became the 13th Bearcat in program history to record a 1,000-yard season after finishing the night with 108 yards total as he averaged nearly 6 yards per carry. Kiner, now caps off a career year with a dominant statement that if he returns for the Bearcats next front with a returning offensive line group, that the Bearcats running back should continue to produce those numbers next season if he stays healthy.
Ryan Montgomery capped off his senior night with a touchdown reception as well as a passing touchdown on his first ever passing attempt of his career. Montgomery also recorded 50 yards on the ground on just eight carries as he averaged nearly six yards per carry.
