Big 12 Showdown
Unbeaten Kansas State and Cincinnati Meet in Big 12 Opener at Nippert Stadium
Anonymous
Kansas State and Cincinnati, both 3-0, will open Big 12 play Saturday night at Nippert Stadium. The Wildcats have dominated defensively under first-year coach Collin Klein, allowing 182.7 total yards and a nation-best 86.7 passing yards per game, while Avery Johnson is coming off a historic performance with 227 passing yards, 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Tulane. Cincinnati enters the matchup after rallying from a 21-point deficit to beat Miami (Ohio) 35-31, with quarterback JC French IV throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns. The Bearcats face a major challenge against Kansas State’s aggressive defense but will look to capitalize on home-field advantage in the rare night game. Key factors include whether Cincinnati can contain Johnson and Kansas State’s versatile playmakers, particularly running back Dylan Edwards, while maintaining the offensive momentum from its comeback victory.
Key Points
1
Kansas State went 3-0 in nonconference play while outscoring its opponents 136-30, setting up its first road game of the season against Cincinnati.
2
K-State’s defense has recorded 30 tackles for loss through three games, the most in the Big 12 and the third-highest total nationally.
3
The matchup marks K-State’s fourth visit to Ohio and its third game at Cincinnati; the Wildcats are 1-2 in their previous trips to Nippert Stadium.
4
Cincinnati is 3-0 for the first time since its 2021 College Football Playoff season, but oddsmakers have installed the Bearcats as 6.5-point home underdogs against Kansas State.
5
Kansas State coach Collin Klein emphasized composure and mental toughness ahead of the opener, saying the Wildcats must focus on doing “whatever it’s going to take” to leave Cincinnati successful.
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