Cincinnati Football: Bearcats must make Pittsburgh quarterback Phil Jurkovec uncomfortable

As the program prepares for a trip to Pittsburgh this week, the Cincinnati Bearcats must focus on limiting Panthers veteran quarterback Phil Jurkovec.

During a 45-7 season-opening win over Wofford, Jurkovec compiled 265 total yards and a pair of touchdowns on a 73.9 percent completion rate.

Jurkovec could cause issues for the Bearcats because his dual-threat ability allows him to create explosive plays through the air and on the run.

The Pittsburgh product started his career at Notre Dame and spent three seasons with Boston College before joining the Panthers in December.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats must make Pittsburgh quarterback Phil Jurkovec uncomfortable

• Date: Saturday, September 9 at 6:30 PM
• Location: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh
• Series History: Panthers lead 8-4
• TV Broadcast: The CW and fuboTV

Bearcats first-year defensive coordinator Bryan Brown needs to contain Jurkovec by making him uncomfortable in the pocket throughout the day.

Even though putting pressure on Jurkovec will be key, the Bearcats have to bottle up Pittsburgh receiving duo Bub Means and Konata Mumpfield.

Highlighted by an overtime victory over Pittsburgh, Jurkovec racked up a career-best 358 passing yards and three touchdowns to lead the Eagles.

Jurkovec became the first quarterback in school history to throw for 300+ passing yards in their first five appearances after doing so in 2022.

Cincinnati Football: Preview for the Bearcats upcoming matchup against former rival Pittsburgh

Check out our preview including pregame odds and previous matchups for the road trip to Pittsburgh on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium!

Players to watch in the renewed rivalry include Cincinnati defensive linemen Jowon Briggs and Dontay Corleone, and linebacker Daniel Grzesiak.

The Bearcats opened as 7-point underdogs against Pittsburgh with the over/under set at 48.5 total points according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

With a chance to secure a third straight win over the Panthers, Scott Satterfield’s team is hoping to pull off an upset and remain undefeated.