The time has come. The TCU Horned Frogs have just one regular-season game left in 2025 before heading to a bowl game—and it’s against the Cincinnati Bearcats, the same team they beat 20-13 to close out
last season.
This year, however, the Bearcats are a tougher challenge. Cincinnati enters 7–4 after a strong start to the season, facing a tough November slate against Utah, Arizona, and BYU. A three-game losing streak hasn’t diminished what remains an imposing squad.
Ahead of this pivotal matchup, we spoke with Eric Lilly of The Bearcat Bunch to get his take on Cincinnati’s season, their strengths, and predictions for Saturday’s showdown.
Frogs O’ War: After starting 7–1, the Bearcats have dropped three straight to fall to 7–4. What do you think is driving the skid? The quality of their opponents, performance-related problems, or something else entirely?
The Bearcat Bunch: Quality of opponent is certainly a factor here, but the biggest issue during the 3-game slide has been the Bearcats aren’t playing clean football like they were in the first half of the season. The special teams blunders and turnovers on offense have been punishing Cincinnati because our defense just does not force turnovers. We had to keep playing secure football, and we aren’t.
Frogs O’ War: The Bearcats boast a balanced offensive attack, ranking fifth in the Big 12 in both passing and rushing yards. Which offensive approach is more critical to their success? The passing game, the run game, or is it the balance between the two?
The Bearcat Bunch: I believe our running game leads the way and opens up things for the pass, especially because our running game includes the QB and even some WR stuff with Isaiah Johnson. Keeps defenses on their toes. One issue I see coming up this Saturday is that TCU is lockdown against the run, so we might not be able to get things going.
Frogs O’ War: On the flip side, Cincinnati’s defense has struggled against both the pass and the run. With TCU bringing one of the most one-dimensional offenses in the Big 12, do you expect the Bearcats’ defense to benefit from being able to key in on the Horned Frogs’ prolific passing attack?
The Bearcat Bunch: Cincinnati has had most of their defensive success this year against teams who are one-dimensional, especially when the opposing QB isn’t mobile. So definitely something to watch on Saturday. The Bearcats had no issues at all guarding Dylan Raiola or Sawyer Robertson, but mobile guys have given us fits. I feel decent about how our defense matches up against TCU, especially with Barnes missing the game. Having said that, we could just see a total shootout in the air on both sides.
Frogs O’ War: The Bearcats’ offensive line has allowed just four sacks this season—the best mark in the Big 12. Is there anything TCU can do to generate pressure on Brendan Sorsby, or has Cincinnati’s line been close to impenetrable? And finally, who’s the standout player up front for the Bearcats?
The Bearcat Bunch: It’s not just the OL, Sorsby has just been amazing at avoiding the pressure when it does come too. I can’t find the tweet now but there was a CFB analytical tweet in the past week or so that essentially said Sorsby is the best QB in the country at avoiding sacks when there is pressure. TCU should be thrilled if they can get Sorsby once or twice. The standout player up front is our captain C Gavin Gerhardt and transfer LT Joe Cotton. Only weak-ish spot is RT.
Frogs O’ War: On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate Cincinnati’s season so far? And if the Bearcats finish with seven or even eight wins in the regular season, given their modest preseason expectations, would that qualify as a successful year in your eyes?
The Bearcat Bunch: I’d give it a 7.5. I was bullish on this team and thought we’d definitely get to 7 wins, but now that we’re kind of spiraling out, it’s hard to give a grade until the final record. We’ve hit our over on Vegas win total, but missed a huge opportunity to capitalize on it and make a magical run to Arlington. Just a really frustrating way to get to 7-4.
Frogs O’ War: What’s your prediction for Cincinnati vs. TCU? Who wins? What’s the final score?
The Bearcat Bunch: Tough one. This is definitely the best Saturday game of the Big 12 slate and both teams are really incentivized to win it because a better bowl game could be at play. Lots of pressure for coaches too because 7-5 just wouldn’t *feel* like that good of a season for TCU or Cincinnati based on how the season’s went, you can sense a little tension in both fan bases. I think the Bearcats bounce back after TCU had a huge emotional win vs. Houston. 31-28.
Shoutout to Eric for offering his insight into the Bearcats’ strong season. For more coverage of all things Cincinnati, be sure to check out The Bearcat Bunch.
