Published Nov 19, 10:24am ET by
Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Nov 19, 10:24am ET
Pixabay-Keith Johnston
Updated Nov 19, 5:06pm ET
#12 BYU heads to #25 Cincinnati for a crucial Big 12 battle, with the winner taking a major step toward improving their position in the conference title race. BYU and Cincinnati have faced each other only three times before, and the Cougars have won all three matchups.
|
|
|---|---|
| CINCINNATI BEARCATS | +115 |
| BYU COUGARS | -135 |
#12-ranked BYU is in a great position to accomplish something meaningful this season—they just need to come out of Cincinnati with a win. They are currently 9–1 overall and 6–1 in the Big 12, which puts them right behind Texas Tech in the standings. BYU enters this matchup as slight favorites at -2.5 on the point spread.
They are led by their quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, who threw for 296 yards and 1 touchdown in their last game against TCU. On the ground, running back LJ Martin added 88 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. We’ll see if they can maintain that level of production against the Bearcats this weekend.
Despite having a 7–3 record, a win against BYU would move them to 6–2 in the Big 12 and help them climb the conference standings. However, another loss, especially after falling to TCU, would likely derail their season and crush any remaining hopes of success. They’re playing at home today but still enter as underdogs, meaning they’ll need a big push from the home crowd.
One of their best players this season, Brendan Sorsby, has thrown 22 touchdowns and 2,218 passing yards with only 4 interceptions. He will need to deliver a strong performance against BYU if Cincinnati is going to have a chance. His top receiver, Cyrus Allen, will also need to have a near-perfect game to keep the offense moving and give the Bearcats a real shot at victory.
This game is expected to be a tight one, with a point spread favoring BYU at -2.5. The over/under is set at 54.5, and the moneyline lists the Cougars at -135 and the Bearcats at +115.
Our recommendation for this matchup is BYU to take the road win and cover the -2.5 spread. We feel their momentum will be enough, whereas Cincinnati is currently riding a two-game losing streak.
|
Pick
BYU -2.5
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
