Bearcats Defensive Game Balls: Kansas State

Cincinnati improved to 4-0 (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) on Saturday night following their 31-26 victory over Kansas State. 

Which was a first for Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield, as it marked the first time in his head coaching career that he started the season 4-0. 

It was also the team's first 4-0 start, since the historical 2021 season. 

Check out our defensive players of the game. 

OLB Antwan Peek

The 5th year linebacker recorded seven tackles in the victory, which was second highest on the team. However, for Peek, he came away with the biggest play of the game in my opinion. 

The Cincinnati native came away with the game's first and only turnover after Peek delivered a big hit on wide receiver Derrick Salley on the first play of the second half. Peek, jarred the ball loose for his ninth career forced fumble, which is second most in program history, trailing his father ANtwan Peek Sr. 

That fumble was a game changer for Cincinnati to say the least. The Bearcats went on to score a touchdown a few minutes later off the turnover. A play that not only sparked the offense to go down and tie the game at 17, but would eventually be the turning point in Cincinnati’s big second half. 

The Bearcats defense then came right back with a huge three-and-out on the Wildcats ensuing possession following the touchdown. Just like that, the Bearcats offense marched down the field and pounded another one in the endzone behind Cole Tabb, to give Cincinnati a big 14 point swing. 

That sequence right there, ultimately changed the game in my opinion. 

LB Jonathan Thompson

The fifth-year linebacker anchored the Bearcats defense in the victory, finishing with a team high eight tackles. 

Thompson really turned things up a notch in the second half and has continued to be a focal point in Nate Woody’s defense. 

Thompson is currently second on the team in tackles (29), first in tackles for loss (4.5), first in sacks (2.5), with a quarterback hurry and two forced fumbles on the season.

However, for Thompson, it is clear to many that Cincinnati’s defense is at their best when he and Antwan Peek are both on the field at the same time anchoring the middle of the defense. 

Safety Jasper Beeler

The Northern Illinois transfer has cemented himself alongside MJ Cannon as the team's top safeties. However, for Beeler, he has taken on a huge role as the vocal leader of the Bearcats secondary. 

Personally, I thought Beeler played his best game of the season on Saturday night vs Kansas State. Beeler racked up seven tackles, with six of those coming in as solo tackles. 

That is huge for Cincinnati especially after losing a guy like Ty Goodwill earlier in camp to a season ending injury. The Bearcats knew they would have to come in and rely heavily on Beeler and Cannon in the secondary and the two have exceeded expectations so far