Cincinnati Bearcats can tie 18-year mark with victory over No. 6 Utah?

After shocking the Big 12 with a 37-24 thrashing of then-No. 8 Texas Tech last weekend, the Cincinnati Bearcats have another chance to take down a Top 10 team with the No. 6 Utah Utes in town for Halloween festivities at 3:45 Oct. 31 on ESPN.

A win would give UC back-to-back Top 10 wins and back-to-back victories over ranked teams for the first time in 18 years. In 2008, the Bearcats coached by Brian Kelly beat No. 23 USF 24-10 on Oct. 30, then eeked out a game in overtime against No. 20 West Virginia, 26-23.

Kelly also had back-to-back ranked wins in 2007, winning at No. 20 USF Nov. 3, then beating No. 16 Connecticut Nov. 10 at Nippert.

UC Bearcats have chance at 4 Top 25 wins

Should the Bearcats knock off the Utes, they have No. 18 Houston on the road Nov. 7 and the regular season finale at No. 8 BYU Nov. 28.

In 2009, former coach Kelly recorded four ranked wins in his final season, winning at No. 24 Oregon State, at No. 21 USF, against No. 23 West Virginia and the famous "Pike to Binns" game at No. 14 Pitt.

Big 12 accolades for Bearcats

In addition to Cole Tabb and MJ Cannon being named Big 12 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, and both sides of the line being honored, Pro Football Focus also recognized some Bearcats.

Defensive backs Jasper Beeler and Kenny Worthy joined Tabb and Cannon on the PFF Big 12 Team of the Week. Cannon's forced fumble, interception and eight tackles put him on the PFF National Team of the Week. Tabb also earned Doak Walker Award Offensive Player of the Week for his 173-yard, two-touchdown game vs. Texas Tech, while Cannon received the Walter Camp Award Defensive Player of the Week for his key forced fumble and interception.

"Cole Tabb's had a great season for us," UC head coach Scott Satterfield said. "You think about what he's done in just about every game. He's a big play threat, our biggest play guy we have on offense. MJ Cannon, what a game he had. We really missed him in that fourth quarter at West Virginia."

Said receiver Larenzo Fenner, "Cole Tabb is a great running back. You ought to see him when he doesn't have the ball in his hand; he plays the same way as when the ball's in his hand. He's a great player to play with."

Another accolade for MJ Cannon this week 👏📰: https://t.co/EU12RkeYyy https://t.co/NkFFJa9nkD

— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) October 27, 2026

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Utah Utes football history

Short and sweet, Utah plowed UC last Nov. 1, 45-14. The Bearcats had 427 yards of total offense, but not much to show for it on the scoreboard.

Stream Cincinnati Bearcats vs.Utah

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Utah scouting report

Halloween football in Nippert 🎃🆚 Utah🗓️ Saturday Oct. 31🕰️ 3:45 PM📺 ESPN🎟️ https://t.co/xWtabyGeQK https://t.co/vRVNNGyQcP

— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) October 26, 2026

Why Cincinnati Bearcats have an advantage: A sellout crowd enjoyed Homecoming at Nippert Stadium with the upset win and that should lead to another packed house. The trick would be outgaining the Utes, who have the No. 8 rushing defense in the country, allowing just 88.3 yards per game. The treat would be another effective throwing game for quarterback JC French IV.

Morgan Scalley, Utah's head coach, was defensive coordinator a year ago and held Brendan Sorsby to 11-for-33 passing at Rice-Eccles Stadium. That atmosphere was wild and the noise bounced off the Wasatch Mountain Range.

The UC student section should be packed to the gills again and could amplify a scary night if they can throw off signals as they did vs. Texas Tech.

"The way the students performed last Saturday was great," linebacker Simeon Coleman said. "It definitely had an impact on us winning that game."

Coleman mentioned that when Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond fumbled early in the game, he felt the stadium shake.

"It was definitely the top experience in 'The Nipp' since I've been here," he said.

There's also the time zone issue, as teams crossing two time zones East to West or West to East often struggle. Just ask BYU, which went from knocking off Notre Dame in Provo to getting upset in Orlando in overtime

Why Utah has an advantage: Utah quarterback Devon Dampier threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns last year and ran for 78 yards. Backup Byrd Ficklin is equally as dangerous, and the two have combined to run for over 500 yards. Then there's Wayshawn Parker, who had 104 yards a year ago and, like UC's Cole Tabb, can catch and run. Parker and Tabb both have 12 touchdowns.

"Last year, going out and playing those guys, we really didn't slow'em down very much," Satterfield said. "They do so much in stretching the defense horizontally from sideline to sideline and it creates some thin areas in your defense. Also, they can push the ball downfield throwing it."

It's another game where Utah is tough up front, and the Bearcats are going to have to win the battle in the trenches.

"Houston moved the ball on them and just didn't score enough points," Satterfield said. "You're going to have to get some tough yards. There's going to be some dirty runs and some pass plays that are not very clean. You're just going to have to try and win some of those."

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Utah injury report

The Bearcats played without nose tackle Josh Hough and running back Gi'Bran Payne against Texas Tech as both were injured in the loss at West Virginia. Satterfield expects Payne to be back, while Hough has improved and has a chance to play.

Redshirt freshman receiver Giyahni Kontosis suffered a torn ACL against the Red Raiders and will miss the remainder of the season. UC center Taran Tyo left the Texas Tech game, then briefly returned with a hand injury. Grant Edgington filled in admirably, and both should be ready against Utah.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Utah odds, moneyline

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sports Network)

• Moneyline: UC +205, Utah -250
• Spread: Utah -6.5
• Over/under: 56.5

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats can tie 18-year mark with victory over No. 6 Utah?

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