It’s an interstate matchup Saturday when the Cincinnati Bearcats host the Bowling Green Falcons.

The Bearcats are aiming to bounce back from a 20-17 season-opening loss to Nebraska on Thursday night, a game held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Cincinnati’s passing attack was limited throughout Thursday night, with quarterback Brendan Sorsby throwing for 24 yards in three quarters.

Sorsby threw for 45 yards in the fourth quarter, but his final pass — an end zone shot with less than 40 seconds left — was intercepted to seal the game.

“We were 0-5 on balls thrown down the field last week,” Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield said. “I think certainly you have to pick and choose when we’re going to push the ball down the field. Our guys can run, so get the ball in their hands and let them run. When you get tight, man (coverage), that’s where our guys have to win. Our guys are going to be challenged Saturday, and they got to get loose. They got to win some one-on-one matchups, and they got to go make plays.”

Bowling Green began its new era with a 26-7 victory at home over Lafayette. Cameron Pettaway opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, marking the second consecutive season Bowling Green has started the season opener with a kick return for a score.

The Falcons are led by first-year head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Eddie George, who comes to Bowling Green after four seasons at East Tennessee State.

“First and foremost, it’s a great opportunity to coach these guys,” George said. “I’m excited about where we can grow. It’s a great starting point. I’m so appreciative of the win. The guys feel like they got a solid win, but we have to get better.”

Bowling Green and Cincinnati have met four times previously, with Bowling Green winning all four. The last time these two teams played was in 1994, with Bowling Green winning 38-0.

–Field Level Media