Bearcats Gear Up for Liberty Bowl Clash with Navy's Ground Game Looming
CINCINNATI - With the AutoZone Liberty Bowl just around the corner, the Cincinnati Bearcats are locking in. Monday’s practice at the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility was all business, and the offensive unit showed up ready to work.
The full offensive line was present and active - a unit that’s been the backbone of this Bearcats team all season long. Flanked by playmakers like Cyrus Allen, Jeff Caldwell, Caleb Goodie, and Joe Royer, the offense looked focused, sharp, and eager to finish the season on a high note.
And it’s no wonder. This group has been one of the most efficient and explosive in the country.
Cincinnati ranks second nationally in yards per carry (5.90) and sixth in yards per play (7.13) - numbers that don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of a cohesive, physical offensive line that’s been dominating in the trenches week after week.
At the center of it all is Evan Tengesdahl, who added another accolade to his growing résumé on Monday, earning All-America honors from the Associated Press. The redshirt sophomore has been a force up front, anchoring a line that also features three-time team captain Gavin Gerhardt. Together, they’ve set the tone for a Bearcats offense that’s been tough to contain.
“They’re eager and hungry to go play another game together,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “We have great leadership with our guys up front. I’m really pleased with the way they’ve played this season.”
That continuity up front will be key as Cincinnati navigates a transition at quarterback. With Brendan Sorsby entering the transfer portal, the Bearcats will turn to redshirt senior Brady Lichtenberg and redshirt freshman Samaj Jones in the bowl game. Neither has seen extensive action this season, but both found the end zone in the 70-0 win over Northwestern State earlier in the year.
“They’ll both play,” Satterfield confirmed. “They’re excited for the opportunity.
Both of those guys have practiced well throughout the season, they just haven’t played a whole lot. So this will be their opportunity to go out there and make some plays for us.
I’m excited to see what they can do.”
For Lichtenberg, this game carries extra weight. It’ll be his final appearance in a Cincinnati uniform - the end of a journey that began in 2021. The Toledo native has appeared in 15 games during his time at UC, and now he’ll have one last shot to lead the team he’s grown up in.
But the challenge ahead is no small one. Cincinnati is set to face a Navy team that’s not only ranked No. 22 in the country but also leads the FBS in rushing at a staggering 289.33 yards per game. The Midshipmen’s offense is a throwback - a relentless, option-heavy attack that grinds defenses down and controls the clock.
Quarterback Blake Horvath is the engine that makes it all go. He’s rushed for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also tossing 10 scores through the air. He’s a dual-threat headache for any defense, and Cincinnati will need a disciplined, physical effort to slow him down.
“This is a completely unique offense we’re facing,” Satterfield said. “They’re outstanding, they do a great job with what they do.
The quarterback is incredible. It will be a completely different challenge compared to what we’ve faced.”
On the other side of the ball, Navy brings some serious muscle as well. Nose guard Landon Robinson was just named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press and earned second-team honors from Walter Camp. He anchors a defense that’s as gritty and tough as they come.
This will be the seventh meeting between Cincinnati and Navy, with the series tied at 3-3. The Bearcats have won the last three matchups - all during their shared tenure in the American Athletic Conference - but history won’t mean much once the ball is kicked in Memphis.
What will matter is execution, toughness, and the ability to adapt - especially for a Cincinnati team that’s leaning on a veteran offensive line and a pair of quarterbacks stepping into the spotlight.
The Bearcats have one more shot to make a statement this season. And from the looks of Monday’s practice, they’re ready to take it.