It's Year 2 of the Scott Satterfield experience for the Cincinnati Bearcats, who kick off their 2024 season on Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) at home against the FCS Towson Tigers.
The Bearcats are massive 30.5-point favorites, with a total set at 53.5. Meanwhile, the Tigers are coming off a 5-6 2023 season.
There's a lot of buzz surrounding this Bearcats team, which has tons of returning production. There's hope that the Cats can return to a bowl game in 2024.
Let's break down the matchup and offer a Cincinnati vs. Towson prediction, pick and NCAAF odds for Saturday, Aug. 31.
Cincinnati vs Towson Prediction
- Cincinnati vs. Towson Prediction & Pick: Cincinnati -30.5 (Play to -33)
My Cincinnati vs Towson best bet is on the Bearcats to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Cincinnati vs Towson Odds
| Towson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+30.5 -110 | 53.5 -110o / -110u | +3000 |
| Cincinnati Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-30.5 -110 | 53.5 -110o / -110u | -10000 |
- Cincinnati vs Towson Point Spread: Cincinnati -31.5 (-110) · Towson +31.5 (-110)
- Cincinnati vs Towson Total: Over/Under 56.5
- Cincinnati vs Towson Moneyline: Cincinnati -9000 · Towson +2500
Cincinnati vs Towson Preview
Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Preview: Talent Mismatch
The Cats, who are 20th in the nation in returning production, bring back every starter from the offensive line and are primed to improve after a tough season in 2023.
They were 1-8 in Big-12 play last season, but I'd argue many of their losses were unlucky. They played in a majority of one-score games, and late-game collapses were frequent.
The Cats were in the top 50 in both offensive success rate and havoc in 2023, which is a good sign heading into this season. Indiana transfer Connor Sorsby won the QB battle in camp, so he begins the season under center.
Sorsby isn't the most talented quarterback, but he brings a ton of experience. He also has flashes of some running ability, so we could see that mixed into the offensive play-calling.
On Saturday, Sorsby must protect the ball and limit turnovers, as Cincinnati should control the clock for most of the afternoon. The only question is how the Cats' defensive line will perform.
Cincy was 26th in defensive havoc in 2023, but with a couple of starters removed, it'll be interesting to see how they do on Saturday. The talent gap should be large enough that the new starters in the trench should find success against the Tiger's offensive line.
Towson Tigers Betting Preview: Defensive at Disadvantage
Towson's rush defense was a big issue last season, hence why they are a massive underdog heading into this game. The Tigers' defense allowed more than 190 rushing yards per game last season, which is bad news going up against a Cats team that will run the ball at will.
There is obviously a talent gap between FCS and FBS schools, but the fact that the Cats are 30.5-point favorites after a three-win season speaks volumes to the talent discrepancy.
QB Nathan Kent won the job out of camp and will begin the season as the starter. He threw for more than 2,100 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2023.
The Tigers can find some success moving the ball on the ground, as the Cats lost a few key defensive starters in the trench from a season ago. But with Towson's defense considerably at a disadvantage, rushing the ball might not be an option in the second half.
It is a large spread to cover with a medium-sized total, but that is a lot to ask for when the defense is so maligned. They also could be a victim of keep-away, since the Cats should be able to move the chains on the ground all afternoon.
Cincinnati vs Towson Pick & Prediction
Many will argue Sorsby is a downgrade to Emory Jones at quarterback, and the key pieces from the defensive front are gone. But all the returning production on both sides of the ball is enough to create a massive talent gap between these two teams.
The Tigers will have a hard time moving the ball, and given how bad their run defense was a year ago, I have a tough time envisioning them holding on to it for very long. Satterfield will look for his team to pound the rock, control the clock and score at will whenever they have the ball.
I like the Cats to cover the large number on Saturday.
Cincinnati vs Towson Prediction & Pick: Cincinnati -30.5 (Play to -33)
How to Watch Towson vs. Cincinnati Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 2:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
Cincinnati vs Towson Betting Trends
- 89% of the bets and 91% of the money are on Towson to cover the spread.
- 58% of the bets and 98% of the money are on the over.
Cincinnati vs Towson Weather
