Bearcats using losing streak as motivation for opener at Arrowhead

FRISCO, Texas — There’s no denying that Cincinnati Coach Scott Satterfield is approaching his third season with the program on the hot seat.

After all, he’s 8-16 through two seasons with the Bearcats, and they’re currently riding a five-game losing streak. Ending that skid is a top priority in Satterfield’s eyes, and he has an opportunity to do it against a quality opponent at an iconic NFL venue. However, achieving that goal in week one could be challenging for Satterfield.

Although Cincinnati’s last two season-openers were blowout victories over the likes of Towson and Eastern Kentucky, Nebraska is a quality opponent out of the Big Ten that Satterfield respects. The Huskers are expecting to make strides in year three under Matt Rhule, and have their own goals to achieve. So something has to give in Thursday’s primetime clash at Arrowhead Stadium on August 28.

“It’s the first game of the season, so you’re not playing an FCS team or something to start a year,” Satterfield said. “We feel like we’ve got to be hitting on all cylinders when you’re starting the season playing against a team like Nebraska, so there’s been a little bit more sense of urgency.”

Satterfield isn’t backing down though. He’ll be fielding his best team to date, with experience, talent and production on both sides of the ball. Brendan Sorsby is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback, who scored 27 touchdowns last season. Tight end Joe Royer finished second on the Bearcats in receptions and receiving yards, and earned first-team, All-Big 12 honors in 2024.

Not to mention All-American defensive tackle Dontay Corleone will be anchoring the defense. Having those types of weapons in his arsenal gives Satterfield confidence that Cincinnati can start the season off on a high note, and set the tone for the rest of the year. Satterfield is familiar with Rhule, and anticipates a dogfight under the lights.

“The thing about his teams, they continue to grow and get better and better, and I think year three has always been a good year for him (Rhule) in his career,” he said. “His teams are going to be big, physical, coached well, and they’re going to do the little things right.”

It’s a well-known fact that Nebraska fans travel as well as any in the country, and Kansas City happens to be a three-hour drive from Lincoln. The Huskers haven’t played at Arrowhead Stadium since the 2006 Big 12 Championship Game, so Satterfield knows a lot of scarlet and cream will be in the stands. Which is why crowd noise will be another element for the Bearcats to battle during the invasion of Big Red Nation.

This evening kickoff will bring national exposure for both teams too, with ESPN airing the broadcast. The media will make the narrative about the Big 12 against the Big Ten, and that’s something Satterfield wants to utilize in terms of recruiting. The Bearcats will likely be the underdogs, so they’ll approach this matchup with something to prove. There are several reasons why Sorsby and his teammates feel like they have something to prove, and are eager to take advantage of the spotlight.

“We’re excited for the challenge, and we’re excited to go in there and show everybody what Cincinnati is all about this year,” Sorsby said. “Obviously we’re looking to go get a win at Arrowhead, and I know we’re preaching that’s the only game that matters to us right now.”

Sorsby will be matching wits with Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, who’s making strides under the direction of Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers’ offense will be looking to do damage to a Bearcat defense that allowed 385.4 yards per game a year ago.

Satterfield wants his players to be all on the same page approaching this matchup. Snapping the losing streak will cool down some of the heat, but extending it will have Cincinnati fans grumbling even more. Despite the fact that the Bearcats will be going against a high-caliber quarterback, a vaunted Blackshirt defense, and a huge crowd full of Husker fans, Satterfield feels overcoming all of those odds will make a victory that much sweeter.

“It’ll be full of people obviously, a sellout and a bunch of people wearing red at this game, so I think it’ll be an awesome atmosphere and a great game.”