Cincinnati Bearcats get nighttime Big 12 win over Kansas State

The Cincinnati Bearcats achieved a significant victory in their Big 12 opener, defeating the Kansas State Wildcats 31-26 at Nippert Stadium. This marks the second consecutive week in which the Bearcats have come back from a halftime deficit to secure a win. In the second half, the Cincinnati team contributed 21 of their 31 points, overcoming a 17-10 deficit.

Cole Tabb was instrumental to the victory, rushing for three touchdowns and accumulating 124 yards. Gi Bran Payne matched Tabb's performance with 126 rushing yards and also rushed for two touchdowns. This performance marked the first time since 2024 when there were two 100-yard rushers in a Big 12 game. Kansas State managed to score a late touchdown, narrowing the gap to five points before missing a two-point conversion.

UC's defense held strong, recovering an onside kick and securing the win. Under Coach Scott Satterfield, the Bearcats have now started their season with a 4-0 record, a feat achieved for the seventh time since the turn of the century. This includes their most recent victory in 2021 under Luke Fickell, when they reached the College Football Playoff semifinal. Kansas State, on the other hand, remains at 3-1.