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Game Preview BYU Cougars @ Cincinnati Bearcats
The BYU Cougars enter Week 13 ranked No. 11 and firmly in contention for both the Big 12 Championship Game and a College Football Playoff berth. At 9-1 overall and 6-1 in Big 12 play, BYU can clinch its spot in the conference title game with a victory and the right combination of results elsewhere. Their 44-13 win over TCU last week reinforced their status as one of the hottest teams in the country.
The Cincinnati Bearcats sit at 7-3 and 5-2 in the Big 12 but arrive on a two-game skid that derailed their championship and CFP hopes. Losses to Utah (45-14) and Arizona (30-24) exposed issues in turnover consistency, red-zone efficiency, and pass protection. Still, Cincinnati remains a dangerous opponent at home, where they own a 5-2 record this season.
Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier continues to elevate BYU’s offense. Against TCU, he threw for 296 yards and a touchdown while adding his 10th rushing score of the season—a single-season quarterback rushing touchdown total matched previously only by Steve Young, Taysom Hill, and Zach Wilson. Bachmeier’s combination of mobility, decision-making, and poise has transformed BYU’s offensive identity.
Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has struggled in recent weeks after opening the season with 20 touchdowns and one interception through his first eight games. Over the last two contests, he has completed just 26 of 61 passes with three interceptions. Re-establishing rhythm is essential if Cincinnati wants to keep pace with BYU’s balanced attack.
Bettors can use market references like NCAAF odds and NCAAF picks along with educational tools such as how betting odds work, alternate total points, and what does the spread mean to navigate this matchup.
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Odds and Key Information
BYU Moneyline: -134
Cincinnati Moneyline: +112
Spread: BYU -2.5 / Cincinnati +2.5
Total: 54.5
Venue: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: Saturday, November 22, 8:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: FOX
Secondary betting angles may include teaser bets or parlay structures based on expected line movement.
BYU Outlook
BYU rebounded from its loss to Texas Tech by dominating TCU in all phases. Their offense ranks 25th nationally in scoring and 26th in rushing yards, powered by a dual-threat quarterback and a deep backfield. LJ Martin leads the ground game with 912 yards, while Chase Roberts headlines the receiving corps with 702 yards.
Bachmeier’s ability to extend plays and produce yards after contact provides BYU with a structural advantage against defenses that struggle to contain mobile quarterbacks. His 10 rushing touchdowns make him one of the most efficient red-zone weapons in the conference.
Defensively, BYU ranks among the best in the Big 12. They lead the conference with 14 interceptions and sit inside the top 15 nationally in sacks with 25. Their turnover creation rate pairs well with their offensive efficiency, reinforcing opportunities for short fields and scoring drives.
This balanced identity enables bettors to explore concepts such as handicap betting, sports betting for beginners, and unit sizing strategies when evaluating market edges.
BYU Injury Report
Marcus McKenzie (CB) – Questionable
Tommy Prassas (S) – Questionable
Matthias Leach (S) – Questionable
Cody Hagen (WR) – Questionable
Sione Moa (RB) – Questionable
Cincinnati Outlook
Cincinnati’s recent regression has come largely through turnover volatility and defensive inconsistency. Their 30-24 loss to Arizona last week featured strong rushing production (191 yards) but inefficient passing and breakdowns in situational defense. Brendan Sorsby’s struggles have shifted Cincinnati from a balanced attack to a run-first identity.
Cincinnati ranks 25th nationally in rushing yards, driven by Tawee Walker’s 652-yard season. Their offensive line creates consistent early-down yardage on the ground, but protection issues in passing situations have limited explosive play potential.
Defensively, Cincinnati retains structural upside. They rank 15th in sacks and are among the national leaders in interceptions and fumble recoveries, representing an advantageous turnover profile. Pressure fronts and secondary discipline must be core components if Cincinnati plans to slow BYU’s balanced attack.
Bettors can deepen analysis using resources such as what is live betting, prop betting concepts, and winning margin meaning.
Cincinnati Injury Report
Evan Pryor (RB) – Questionable
Caleb Goodie (WR) – Questionable
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Play | BYU |
| Rushing Offense | Cincinnati |
| Turnover Creation | BYU |
| Passing Efficiency | BYU |
| Red Zone Production | BYU |
| Home Field Impact | Cincinnati |
Betting Trends
BYU is 18-1 straight up as a favorite in its last 19 games.
BYU is 19-3 straight up in its last 22 overall.
BYU is 16-2 straight up after a win in its last 18.
Cincinnati is 24-6 straight up as a favorite in its last 30.
Cincinnati is 5-1 at home this season.
BYU is 9-2 straight up in its last 11 road games.
These trends align with broader strategic frameworks including hedge betting, how betting odds work, and the NFL expert betting guide for comparative modeling.
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Predictions
BYU’s balance, turnover creation, and quarterback efficiency give them a measurable advantage. Cincinnati’s home field and rushing attack create competitive potential, but the Bearcats’ passing instability remains a challenge against BYU’s disciplined secondary.
Projected Score: BYU 31, Cincinnati 27
Spread Pick: BYU -2.5
Total Lean: Over 54.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
With conference title implications, playoff stakes, and late-season volatility, this matchup demands analytical precision. Verified performance data from the Handicappers Leaderboard provides bettors with reliable insight. Complementary tools such as alternate total points, sports betting strategies, and prop betting fundamentals increase confidence when navigating tight spreads and high-total matchups.
