The Cincinnati Bearcats are staring down an 11-game November losing streak right now, and today against No. 17 Houston, they’ve got a massive shot to finally snap that nightmare and get bowl-eligible for the second year running. This isn’t just another road game, folks, this is everything for their season.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher For UC
Remember that 24-14 win over Houston on November 10, 2023? That was Cincinnati’s first-ever Big 12 victory. What nobody knew then was that it would kick off a brutal stretch of 11 consecutive November losses. After a red-hot 4-0 September start and then a 1-3 stumble in October, UC is desperate to break this terrible fall skid. But it won’t be easy! No. 17 Houston marks the third Top 25 team the Bearcats have tangled with this season. They already pulled off a huge upset against then-No. 8 Texas Tech, but also took a loss to then-No. 6 Utah in the last two weekends. And guess who’s waiting on November 28? The current No. 7 BYU. Oh, and Arizona is now No. 24, just to keep things interesting. For this clash at TDECU Stadium, the Bearcats are rolling out the black helmets, white jerseys, and black pants. Looking sharp, but will it be enough to stop the bleeding?
Injury Updates And Vegas Doubts
Here’s the lowdown on who’s in and who’s out. The good news? Nose tackle Josh Hough, who missed the last two games against No. 8 Texas Tech and No. 6 Utah after getting dinged up in the West Virginia game, isn’t on the injury list this week. That’s a huge relief! But on the flip side, the Bearcats are without linebacker Montay Weedon and center Grant Edgington, which stings. Edgington had actually stepped up for starter Taran Tyo against Texas Tech. Tyo himself missed most of that Texas Tech win and then all of the Utah game. Both Tyo (center) and linebacker Simeon Coleman are questionable, pending the official game day update. If Tyo can’t go, we might see guard Evan Tengesdahl slide over to center. On a brighter note, quarterback Conner Weigman and tight end Patrick Overmyer are both full-go after being limited in practice following the Utah game. Linebacker Jaden Yates and defensive tackle De’Marion Thomas are also expected to play.
The oddsmakers aren’t exactly showing UC much love. Scott Springer from the Cincinnati Enquirer predicts a 35-25 Houston win, Yahoo Sports has it at 37-23 Houston, and Heartland College Sports is picking Houston 38-24. FanDuel Sports Network odds show Texas Tech as a 10.5-point favorite (that’s an interesting one for a Houston game, huh?). The moneyline is UC +340, Texas Tech -450, with an over/under of 62.5. Seems like everyone is counting them out.
This game against No. 17 Houston isn’t just another road trip; it’s a chance to rewrite their November story and keep that bowl dream alive. With Iowa State next, then Colorado, and a monster matchup with No. 7 BYU on the horizon, breaking this skid *now* would be massive. Can they pull off the upset and silence the doubters?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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