Cincinnati Bearcats to Face Arizona State Sun Devils in Big 12 Matchup

The Cincinnati Bearcats will host the Arizona State Sun Devils at Nippert Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a crucial matchup in the Big 12 Conference. The game is set to begin at noon, and will be available for viewing through ESPN+, while radio coverage will be provided by 700 WLW with Dan Hoard and Jim Kelly delivering the commentary alongside sideline reporter Tony Pike.

It is Homecoming weekend for the Bearcats, a team buoyed by their recent win over Central Florida. Conversely, Arizona State enters the fray off a significant victory against Utah. However, the Sun Devils will have to overcome the challenge of playing without their starting quarterback, Sam Leavitt, who is out due to injury.

Jeff Sims, stepping in for Leavitt, steps under center for Arizona State. Coach Kenny Dillingham may focus heavily on the running game, leveraging the talents of standout running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo, pivotal to the Sun Devils’ offense, has carried the ball 133 times for 773 yards and has scored eight rushing touchdowns this season.

Cincinnati’s defense will likely concentrate on neutralizing Skattebo’s impact, potentially setting the stage for a strategic showdown at the line of scrimmage. With both teams keenly aware of their conference standings, a win is crucial in maintaining their hopes within the Big 12 title race.

The Bearcats’ offense will look to exploit Arizona State’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly by leveraging the expected return of left guard Dartanyan Tinsley. His presence is anticipated to fortify the offensive line, enhancing running opportunities for Corey Kiner and affording quarterback Brendan Sorsby the time he needs to make critical plays.

History favors Cincinnati, who have won both prior matchups against the Sun Devils, although these teams haven’t clashed since 1976. Now meeting as Big 12 rivals for the first time, the stakes are particularly high, with both schools eager to secure a pivotal victory that would boost their respective conference standings.

The game also carries implications for bowl eligibility, a target both teams are eyeing after similar 3-9 records in the previous season. With Cincinnati having been selected to finish 14th in the conference, today’s encounter is a chance to defy expectations and inch closer to bowl contention.