In a game that had all the makings of a classic Big 12 showdown, the Cincinnati Bearcats handed the undefeated Iowa State Cyclones their first loss of the season, winning 38-30 on Saturday at Nippert Stadium. The 12th-ranked Cyclones, who entered with a perfect 5-0 record, were heavy favorites despite dealing with injuries to key players. Yet, Cincinnati's relentless rushing attack and timely defensive stands turned the tide in a shootout that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Indeed, the Bearcats, now 4-1 under coach Scott Satterfield, improved to 4-0 in their last four games—a streak that signals they're finally finding their footing in conference play. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby orchestrated the offense with poise, but it was the ground game that dominated, piling up over 200 yards and controlling the clock in crucial moments. Iowa State, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Rocco Becht, who threw for two touchdowns and even scampered in for a late score himself. However, the shorthanded defense couldn't contain Cincinnati's momentum, allowing big plays that shifted the scoreline repeatedly.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Iowa State tying it at 17 before halftime. But Cincinnati exploded out of the locker room, scoring 14 unanswered points to build a commanding lead. The Cyclones clawed back late, narrowing the gap to eight with under two minutes left, but a final interception sealed the Bearcats' victory. Moreover, injuries sidelined several Iowa State starters, exposing vulnerabilities that preseason predictions overlooked. Analysts had pegged the Cyclones for an easy road win, citing their explosive offense averaging 35 points per game. That narrative crumbled quickly.
However, credit where it's due—Cincinnati's home crowd fueled an electric atmosphere, and Satterfield's adjustments proved masterful. For Iowa State, this loss drops them to 5-1, still in contention but now with questions about depth. As both teams regroup for tougher matchups ahead, one can't help but wonder how this upset reshapes the Big 12 race.