Cincinnati Fights for Big 12 Title Spot in Final Stretch

With three games remaining in the regular season, No. 25 Cincinnati (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) is in control of its destiny for a spot in the Big 12 championship game. If the Bearcats can secure wins against Arizona, BYU, and TCU over the next three weeks, they will clinch a berth in the conference title game.

The first challenge for Cincinnati comes this Saturday at home against Arizona (6-3, 3-3). The Wildcats have won their last two games against Colorado and Kansas after a tough stretch that included a double-overtime loss to BYU and a narrow defeat at Houston. Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield is particularly concerned about Arizona's defensive prowess, as the Wildcats rank 3rd in the Big 12 in total defense, allowing just 302 yards per game. Their pass defense is especially stifling, ranking 2nd in the conference at 160.1 yards allowed per game.

Quarterback Brendan Sorsby will need to lead a sharp offensive execution for the Bearcats to overcome Arizona's formidable defense. Sorsby has the 2nd-highest efficiency rating in the Big 12 at 161.5, completing 144 of 237 passes for 2,064 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. Cincinnati's top receiver, Cyrus Allen, has also impressed, leading the conference with 10 touchdown catches. The Bearcats will look to get running back Evan Pryor back from an ankle injury to further bolster their offensive attack.