Cincinnati Bearcats: By the Numbers

Oklahoma’s last trip through the Big 12 starts Saturday.

For the second straight season, the Sooners waltzed through non-conference play, but now Brent Venables’ team is intent on proving 2022 was an aberration.

Conference newcomers Cincinnati are first up for No. 16-ranked OU, as the Bearcats will host the Sooners for the first time at Nippert Stadium on Saturday.

Oklahoma leads the all-time series 2-0, but the team is laser-focused on winning its conference opener for the first time under Venables.

8

Cincinnati’s offense has a clear identity — run the football.

The Bearcats are averaging 239.3 yards per game on the ground this season, which ranks No. 8 nationally.

Running backs Corey Kiner and Ryan Montgomery have both rushed for over 100 yards this year, and quarterback Emory Jones is Cincinnati’s second-leading rusher with 144 yards on the year.

Jones has also punched the ball in three times on the ground, leading the team.

Despite the overtime loss to Miami (OH) last week, Cincinnati still rushed for 265 yards and outgunned the RedHawks in total yards 538-358.

Stalling out in the red zone eventually caught up with the Bearcats, but Oklahoma’s excellent run defense will be tested on Saturday.

16

Cincinnati’s defensive line will pose the biggest test for Oklahoma’s offensive line so far this season.

Entering the weekend, the Bearcats have gotten to opposing quarterbacks 10 times, which ranks 16th in the country.

With Dontay Corleone leadings the way at the heart of the defensive front, the Bearcats bring pressure from all directions.

Corleone was joined by defensive end Jowon Briggs in garnering preseason recognition, and both have a sack already this season.

Even with a rotating door at left guard, the Sooners have held up in pass protection this year. But Bill Bedenbaugh’s offensive line will have to be on the same page to keep quarterback Dillon Gabriel upright on Saturday.

66.3

As well as Jones has run the ball for Scott Satterfield, the quarterback still struggles with accuracy.

The former Florida and Arizona State signal caller is completing 66.3 percent of his passes in 2023, throwing seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

Jones’ offensive line has struggled to protect him so far as well, surrendering seven sacks through three games, which is tied for 79th in the country.

If the OU pass rush can hit home, Venables’ secondary will have chances to make plays on the football as the Sooners look to build on last week’s five interception performance against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

Sign up for your premium membership to AllSooners.com today, and get access to the entire Fan Nation premium network!
Follow AllSooners on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest OU news!
Want even more Sooners news? Check out the SI.com OU team page here!
Listen and subscribe to the AllSooners Podcast!
Watch more Sooners videos and subscribe on YouTube!