Jayhawks Host Cincinnati in Rematch of 2023 Victory
LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Kansas Jayhawks (3-1) return home to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium this Saturday to face the Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1) in the second Big 12 conference home game of the season for Kansas. The jayhawks are riding high after a dominant 38-21 victory over West Virginia, extending their winning streak at home to seven games - a feat not accomplished since 2007.
Kansas’ defense has been a key factor in their success,allowing just 24 points across three home games and achieving a combined score differential of 118-24 in those contests. Linebacker Trey Lathan, a transfer from West Virginia, leads the team with 28 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, adding an interception returned for 32 yards against the Mountaineers.Defensive end Dean Miller recorded his first sack of the season alongside seven tackles, while defensive tackle Blake Herold contributed seven tackles, a tackle-for-loss, and a fumble recovery.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels continues to spearhead the Jayhawks’ offence, having thrown for 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions this season, totaling 817 passing yards and 159 rushing yards. Daniels tossed three touchdown passes in the win over west Virginia, with Levi Wentz, Boden Groen, and leshon Williams each securing their first touchdown receptions of the year. Williams, an Iowa transfer, also added 129 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Cincinnati enters the game well-rested after an open week, following a 70-0 victory over Northwestern State on September 13th. The Bearcats began the season with a loss to Nebraska but rebounded with wins against Bowling Green and Northwestern State.
The Cincinnati offense is led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a second-year player after transferring from Indiana.Sorsby has 655 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception, complemented by 175 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He targets All-Big 12 tight end Joe Royer (138 receiving yards, two touchdowns) and transfer wide receivers Cyrus Allen and Jeff Caldwell, who have combined for 21 catches, 317 yards, and four touchdowns.
Kansas leads the all-time series against cincinnati 2-1. The teams last met in 2023, with Kansas securing a 49-16 win. Prior to that, they hadn’t played as 1997, and this week’s game marks the first matchup in Lawrence since a 23-18 Kansas victory in 1995.
