Imagine a college football game where a team, down but not out, rallies furiously in the second half, only to fall just short of victory. That’s exactly what happened when Cincinnati clashed with No. 14 Iowa State in a thrilling matchup on October 4, 2025. The Bearcats, led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby and running back Evan Pryor, stormed out to a commanding 17-0 lead in the first quarter, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets controversial—despite Iowa State’s valiant comeback, Cincinnati held on for a 38-30 win, sparking debates about whether the Cyclones’ injuries or the Bearcats’ early dominance were the deciding factor.
Sorsby delivered a standout performance, passing for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while Pryor rushed for 111 yards and two scores. And this is the part most people miss—Sorsby’s 82-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Goodie in the fourth quarter wasn’t just a highlight; it was Cincinnati’s longest pass play since 2015. Goodie’s post-game comment, ‘When the play was called, I was thinking touchdown,’ perfectly captures the confidence that fueled the Bearcats’ victory.
Iowa State, despite being one of the least penalized teams in the nation, uncharacteristically committed five penalties for 35 yards in the first half. One critical mistake—jumping offside on third down—extended Cincinnati’s opening drive, leading to Pryor’s 30-yard touchdown run. The Cyclones, led by quarterback Rocco Becht, who passed for 314 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for two more, mounted a fierce comeback in the second half. Becht’s 4-yard touchdown run just before halftime and his 11-yard TD pass to Brett Eskildsen in the third quarter kept the game within reach.
Here’s the bold question: Did Iowa State’s injuries, including the absence of key players like Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, cost them the game, or did Cincinnati simply outplay them in the critical moments? Iowa State coach Matt Campbell praised his team’s resilience, stating, ‘We’re not flinching. We have some really good football players, and they will only get better.’ Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s rushing attack was unstoppable, with Tawee Walker adding 89 yards on 14 carries. Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield joked, ‘Whatever [Walker] ate for his pregame meal, he needs to eat it again.’
The Bearcats’ victory not only marked their first home win over a ranked opponent since 2021 but also positioned them for potential recognition in the AP poll. With a 2-0 record in the Big 12, Cincinnati now looks ahead to hosting UCF, while Iowa State travels to Colorado. What do you think? Did Cincinnati deserve this win, or did Iowa State’s injuries tilt the scales unfairly? Let us know in the comments!
