The Cincinnati Bearcats concluded their 2023 football season on a disheartening note, suffering a resounding 49-16 defeat against the Kansas Jayhawks. This loss marked a dismal end to the season, leaving the Bearcats with a 3-9 record, their worst performance this century. The game showcased defensive vulnerabilities, offensive struggles, and a stark departure from the successful 12-0 run in 2021.
The Jayhawks dominated the field with a barrage of big plays, orchestrated by quarterback Jason Bean and running back Devin Neal. Bean's impressive performance included 250 passing yards, two touchdowns, 90 rushing yards, and two scores on the ground. The Jayhawks amassed a total of 562 yards, exposing the Bearcats' defense, which struggled to contain their dynamic offensive attack. The game unfolded as a stark departure from the Bearcats' previous successes, notably on Senior Night, adding a bitter note to the season's close.
Despite the team's overall struggles, the Bearcats found a glimmer of success in the run game. Running back Corey Kiner reached the 1,000-yard milestone for the first time in his college career, becoming the 13th player in UC history to achieve this feat. Kiner, along with Ryan Montgomery and Emory Jones, showcased their skills, each averaging over four yards per carry. However, the strong ground performance wasn't sufficient to secure a victory.
The Bearcats' once-vaunted defense experienced a significant decline during the 2023 season. The secondary had no answer for Kansas' receivers, and the coverage consistently broke down, allowing numerous explosive plays. The absence of interceptions and limited turnovers underscored the defensive struggles throughout the season. The defense allowed 15 explosive plays in the game, including seven of 30-plus yards, highlighting a glaring issue that remains unresolved on the current roster.
The special teams unit, aside from the kicker and punter, faced criticism throughout the season. A questionable squib kick decision set the stage for a two-play touchdown drive by Kansas to close the half. The special teams' overall performance, graded 120th out of 133 FBS teams on PFF, added to the challenges faced by the Bearcats in their disappointing season.
With a precipitous decline from a perfect 12-0 season in 2021 to a 3-9 record in 2023, the Cincinnati Bearcats face a critical period of reflection and assessment. Beyond the offensive line, every aspect of the program, from defense to special teams, needs careful examination. The coaching staff, led by Kerry Coombs, faces the challenge of addressing defensive vulnerabilities and special teams issues, potentially looking to the transfer portal for solutions.
The 2023 season for the Cincinnati Bearcats ends on a somber note, with a 49-16 defeat against Kansas, highlighting defensive lapses, offensive struggles, and challenges in special teams. As the team looks toward the future, a comprehensive evaluation of the program is imperative to regain momentum and rectify the shortcomings that led to this disappointing season.
