UC FB Practice Report: Bearcats Continue to Prep for Matchup vs. Navy in AutoZone Liberty Bowl

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati football team continued its preparation for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Monday, holding practice in the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility.

The bulk of the offense was dressed and participating in practice on Monday. The entirety of the offensive line as well as offensive weapons Cyrus Allen, Jeff Caldwell, Caleb Goodie, and Joe Royer were all working out as well.

The line, led by All-American Evan Tengesdahl and three-time team captain Gavin Gerhardt, has paved the way all season long for one of the most explosive and productive offenses in the country. Cincinnati ranks second in the nation in yards per carry (5.90) and sixth in yards per play (7.13).

Tengesdahl collected All-America honors from the Associated Press on Monday, the latest in a string of accolades for the redshirt sophomore offensive lineman.

The five big guys up front have battled together in the trenches all season long, and relish the opportunity to do so one more time as a unit.

“The offensive line is 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.”

At the quarterback position, Satterfield said that redshirt senior Brady Lichtenberg and redshirt freshman Samaj Jones will both see time following the announcement that Brendan Sorsby has entered the transfer portal. While neither QB has seen much action this season, both threw a touchdown pass in the 70-0 win vs. Northwestern State.

Lichtenberg and Jones have prepared for this moment and will have ample opportunity to end the 2025 season on a high note.

“They’ll both play,” Satterfield said. “They’re excited for the opportunity. Both of those guys have practice 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, it will be his final collegiate game for the only program he’s ever known. The Toledo, Ohio native redshirted in 2021 and has appeared in 15 games in his time at UC.

The Bearcats will have their hands full with a talented Navy squad that is ranked No. 22 in the country and leads FBS in rushing (289.33). Quarterback Blake Horvath has rushed for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns while throwing for 10 scores as well. Nose guard Landon Robinson was recently named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press and second-team selection by Walter Camp.

Known for their punishing rushing attack, the Midshipmen will keep the Bearcats’ hands full for all 60 minutes in Memphis.

“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.”

Cincinnati and Navy have faced off six times previously and the all-time series stands at 3-3. UC has won the last three meetings, which all came when both programs were members of the American Athletic Conference.

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 2 and will be televised on ESPN. Fans interested in attending the game can purchase their tickets here.