Cincinnati's 446.9 Yards Per Game Leads Into Iowa State Matchup
The Bearcats rank 23rd in the FBS for total offense but concede 445.3 yards per game, setting the stage for a noon kickoff against the Cyclones on Nov. 14.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Cincinnati averages 446.9 yards per game, a figure that places the team 23rd in the Football Bowl Subdivision. That total offense stands in stark contrast to the Bearcats' defensive performance, which concedes 445.3 yards per contest. This defensive output ranks 132nd in the FBS, creating a high-variance profile for the squad as it prepares for its next Big 12 contest.
Iowa State (4-5) hosts Cincinnati (5-4) on Nov. 14 at 12 p.m. EST. The opening betting line favors the Cyclones by 2.5 points. Iowa State has gone 3-5-1 against the spread this season, while Cincinnati is 5-4. The game will air on TNT.
The statistical profiles of the two teams show distinct strengths and weaknesses. Cincinnati's rushing attack ranks 10th in the FBS with 221.9 yards per game. However, the defense allows opponents to convert on 44.3% of third downs, a rate that ranks 123rd in the nation. Iowa State possesses the best red zone offense in the FBS, scoring on 100.0% of its trips into the end zone. The Cyclones also average 181.0 rushing yards per game, placing them 38th in the country.
Both teams entered this week following losses on Nov. 7. Iowa State fell 42-31 to Baylor. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 256 yards on 22-of-37 attempts with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Aiden Flora carried the ball 26 times for 182 yards and one touchdown. Cincinnati lost 31-24 to Houston. J.C. French passed for 217 yards on 19-of-30 attempts with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 24 yards and a score on 13 carries.
The Cyclones have specific leaders in each phase of the game. Raynor has accumulated 1,672 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Flora has rushed for 1,119 yards and nine scores. Jamal Polite Jr. leads the receiving corps with 321 yards. On the Bearcats side, French has thrown for 1,990 yards and 15 touchdowns. Cole Tabb has rushed for 812 yards and 10 scores. JaVonnie Gibson has caught 39 passes for 515 yards.
After this matchup, Iowa State travels to UCF on Nov. 20. Cincinnati hosts Colorado on Nov. 21.
