Scott Satterfield Discusses Cincinnati's Hunt For Big Runs: 'Don't Have Explosive Running Backs'

Dive into a look at Cincinnati's explosive offensive plays this season.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Oct 10, 2023 3:10 PM EDT

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CINCINNATI — The Bearcats are back at it for a game week schedule as Scott Satterfield addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of the Iowa State matchup.

Cincinnati has struggled to turn big home run plays into touchdown plays at times this season. The running game in particular has seen guys like Corey Kiner get caught from behind before scoring multiple times this season.

Cincinnati ranks 83rd nationally with two runs for 30-plus yards this season.

“We don't have explosive running backs. That's a big stat," Satterfield said. "I go back to my offenses over the last 10 or 12 years, we've had a running back that can go 80 yards. Our guys will get you to first down, but we've seen it this year where we break out for 30- or 40-yard runs and then we're getting tackled. I think that's one reason why you don't have the 60- or 70-yard play."

Overall, Cincinnati is tied for 55th nationally with 13 plays of 30-plus yards this season, but falls to a tie for 76th when looking at 40-plus yards plays (five). They have only one run of 60-plus yards, but to be fair, only 16 teams in the country have multiple runs of that length this season.

The passing game has produced a few more big moments than the run game.

"We've had some opportunities in the passing game," Satterfield noted. "I can recall at least four that we didn't connect. Whether we get hit, the quarterback gets hit, or we overthrow it, or something goes wrong within the play. I think that's been the difference in the big plays and if you get a couple of those, we certainly be able to sit here a little bit differently right now. I think we're close to hitting some of those, hopefully this week we'll be able to hit those. You’re just one step off, there’s a small little window to make those plays happen and hopefully we’ll be able to get those."

Short snippets of this quote from Satterfield could seem like a dig at his running back room, but it's pure honesty. That unit has not shown an ability to hammer home big runs into the end zone. Maybe it'll start to flip following the off week.

UC could bust open Saturday's game if it can create some more explosives against a defense that hasn't given up many in 2023. Iowa State ranks tied for 31st nationally with just nine plays of 30-plus yards allowed this season.

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