Cincinnati · Big 12Cincinnati must contain Avery Johnson to reach 4-0
The Bearcats host Kansas State on Sept. 26, with Johnson’s perimeter runs threatening Cincinnati’s unbeaten start and its chance to end a skid dating to 1966.
SEP 24, 2026
Avery Johnson rushing yards against Tulane
Kansas State offensive line Pro Football Network grade
Cincinnati deficit against Miami (Ohio) before rallying
01 · The NewsCincinnati must contain Avery Johnson to reach 4-0
Cincinnati and Kansas State carry 3-0 records into a 7 p.m. ET Big 12 matchup Saturday, Sept. 26, at Nippert Stadium, with the Bearcats facing the quarterback run that has troubled them before.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson accounted for 152 of his team’s 201 rushing yards against Tulane, scoring twice on the ground while throwing for 227 yards. His ability to reach the edge — and keep running along the sideline — is Cincinnati’s central defensive problem.
“Once he hits the sideline, he is fast-fast,” Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said. “He's a different speed. Even like a quarterback that can move and run, he's a little bit better. We have to do a really good job to contain the perimeter runs. They hurt us with that in '24 and he's still doing that now, getting outside and making some big-time runs.”
Kansas State’s offensive line has the top Pro Football Network grade through three weeks at 98.9. Cincinnati right guard Judea Milon has graded at 95.5, and the Bearcats’ offensive line ranks No. 16 overall in the FBS. Guard Evan Tengesdahl and linebacker Jonathan Thompson also made the Pro Football Focus Big 12 Team of the Week.
Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score in Saturday’s 35-31 win over Miami (Ohio). Johnson has six touchdown passes to French’s five, but Johnson has thrown two interceptions while French has thrown none.
Cincinnati must also avoid another slow start after falling behind Miami 28-7 before rallying. Satterfield said the Bearcats need to play better at the beginning and finish the second half.
“They have a lot of talent on that (Kansas State) defense,” French said. “Their stats speak for themselves. They're really good and we're going to have to be on-point with our preparation and obviously go execute this Saturday.”
02 · The StakesWhat’s at stake
The winner moves to 4-0 and takes an early Big 12 advantage. Cincinnati also can end a losing streak to Kansas State that dates to 1966; the Bearcats lead the all-time series 4-3 but lost the most recent meeting 41-15 in 2024.
“Once he hits the sideline, he is fast-fast”
Scott Satterfield03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Cincinnati keep Avery Johnson inside?
Watch whether Johnson reaches the edge and keeps running along the sideline, the perimeter issue that Satterfield said has hurt the Bearcats before.
Does Cincinnati avoid another slow start?
The Bearcats fell behind Miami 28-7 before rallying; the tell is how they play at the beginning and finish the second half.