Cincinnati Bearcats senior defensive back Deshawn Pace is set to return against the BYU Cougars after being suspended for the Big 12 debut a week ago.
Pace was suspended for the conference opener last week after violating team rules but Scott Satterfield said he is ready to go in a recent press conference.
Redshirt freshman safety Ken Willis made his first career start against the Oklahoma Sooners in place of Pace and will earn more snaps moving forward.
Willis totaled nine tackles and one tackle for loss in his first start and he should see an uptick in playing time as Cincinnati competes in conference play.
Following a one game suspension, Scott Satterfield said #Bearcats safety Deshawn Pace will return this week.https://t.co/54bLV4l5YX pic.twitter.com/k4zAX6oR5W
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 27, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Deshawn Pace set to return against BYU following recent suspension
- Date: Friday, September 29 at 10:15 PM
- Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo
- Series History: Bearcats trail 0-2
- TV Broadcast: ESPN and fuboTV
According to the most recent odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Bearcats are 1.5-point favorites with the over/under currently set at 48.5 points.
Make sure to read our preview for the matchup against BYU including the latest odds, players to watch, pregame quotes, TV coverage and more!
Players to watch include quarterback Emory Jones, running back Corey Kiner, outside linebacker Daniel Grzesiak and cornerback Jordan Young.
Colerain product Ken Willis impressed in his first career start in the Big 12 opener last weekend. #Bearcatshttps://t.co/TRokLCsbVL pic.twitter.com/PZNxV6O8XJ
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) September 26, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Scott Satterfield looks ahead to the Bearcats road trip to Big 12 foe BYU
After an impressive start to the season, the Bearcats have lost back to back games and a road trip to BYU could see the losing skid extend even further.
Cincinnati should compete with the Cougars but it’s certainly going to be challenging to pull off a victory unless the recent red zone struggles are righted.
Satterfield discussed Pace’s upcoming return and previewed the Big 12 battle against BYU during a midweek press conference per Cincinnati Athletics.
"“He’ll be back this week and we’ll open our arms up to bring him back. Be ready to rock and roll. Certainly hope he has a great game. He was hurt that he didn’t get an opportunity to play last week. He showed great focus and determination so far this week. I hope he goes out and has a great week and game on Friday, and I think he will. Certainly has the ability to go out and make plays. Another guy that can cause havoc and we’re going to need that.”"