Cincinnati just punched Kansas State right in the mouth, going 4-0 for the first time since way back in 2021, and trust me, this wasn’t just any win. This was a *statement*. They walked into Nippert Stadium on Saturday as touchdown underdogs, against a Kansas State squad that was 3-0 and had outscored opponents a ridiculous 136-30 in their first three games. The Wildcats looked unstoppable! But after K-State jumped out to a 10-0 lead, the Bearcats totally flipped the script. They utterly dominated the second half, sealing a massive 31-26 victory and snagging their Big 12 opener for the third straight season. Talk about laying down a marker early!
This O-Line Is Dominating and Cole Tabb Is Running Wild
Look, we all knew this Cincinnati offensive line was gonna be good, right? They returned three absolute studs: AP All-American left guard Evan Tengesdahl, All-Big 12 left tackle Joe Cotton, and Taran Tyo, who seamlessly slid over to center. Last year, this group was already elite, helping the team to the third-most yards per rushing attempt and letting up the second-fewest sacks in the entire FBS. But this year? They’ve somehow cranked it up to eleven, becoming even *better*. Through just four games, Cincinnati is already ranking seventh nationally in rushing offense with a staggering 270 yards per game, which is a whopping 94 yards more than even their prolific 2025 run game. Their 6.51 yards per attempt currently ranks seventh in the FBS, too. And against Kansas State? They put up a ridiculous 271 yards on a 7.1 average. Let that sink in for a second: 271 yards on the ground against a Kansas State defense that was only giving up 96 rushing yards per game during its 3-0 start, and ranked third in the FBS in tackles for loss. This wasn’t just winning a battle, folks; they completely *demolished* that elite front. Cincinnati only needed eight completions on 13 attempts because the run game was so unstoppable. It’s not just the returning vets, either. Right tackle Judea Milton has been having an incredible start to the season, and tight ends Gavin Grover and Lyviel Waters were dishing out impressive blocks all night, regularly fending off star defensive end Wendell Gregory and creating huge, wide-open lanes for the running backs to thrive. And big shoutout to the backs, too, for reading those blocks and making those crucial cuts. Gi’Bran Payne tore it up for 126 rushing yards, and Cole Tabb added 124 yards and a monstrous three touchdowns! Tabb, man, he’s been absolutely unstoppable in Cincinnati’s last six quarters, currently averaging an insane 11.1 yards per carry, which is the most in the FBS for anyone with at least ten attempts. What a monster!
Winning their Big 12 opener for the third consecutive season? That’s not just a statistic, that’s a *culture*! What a legitimate statement win for the Bearcats. They proved they can absolutely hang, especially after that incredible second-half domination. With an offensive line playing like this, just carving out huge holes, and backs like Tabb and Payne tearing it up, who in the Big 12 is gonna slow them down? This 4-0 start is more than just a good record; it’s a warning shot. Big things are clearly coming for Cincinnati, and I, for one, can’t wait to see it!
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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