CINCINNATI — Cincinnati will be without starting center Taran Tyo and defensive lineman Josh Hough when the Bearcats host No. 6 Utah on Saturday afternoon. Both players were downgraded from questionable to out in Friday night's Big 12 availability report, leaving Cincinnati short-handed along both lines.
Tyo's inability to go is a big loss for an offense that has relied heavily on its running game. The fifth-year lineman, who was named to the Rimington Trophy midseason watch list, left last week's 37-24 victory over Texas Tech. His absence forces Cincinnati to adjust its offensive-line combination against a Utah defense allowing just 88.3 rushing yards per game.
Hough will miss his second consecutive game after sitting out against Texas Tech. The senior nose tackle started Cincinnati's first six games and has recorded 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks this season. Freshman Jonathan Rulo started in his place last week and could again see an increased role against Utah's rushing attack.
The Bearcats will also be without linebacker Montay Weedon, wide receiver Giyahni Kontosis, and tight end DaMari Witherspoon. Weedon was downgraded from doubtful to out Friday, while Kontosis and Witherspoon were already listed as unavailable.
There is better news at wide receiver, where Isaiah Johnson and Jalen Williams have both been upgraded from probable to available. Johnson has 26 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown this season, giving quarterback JC French IV an experienced option in the passing game.
Utah also has three players listed as out. Offensive lineman Kelvin Obot, linebacker Tayson Reid, and wide receiver Daidren Zipperer are unavailable, while tight end Hunter Andrews has been upgraded and will play.
Cincinnati (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) is coming off a 37-24 upset of No. 8 Texas Tech. Utah (7-0, 4-0) arrives undefeated and riding a 13-game winning streak.
The Big 12 is scheduled to release its final game-day availability report approximately 90 minutes before Saturday's 3:45 p.m. ET kickoff at Nippert Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN.
