The upcoming Friday night clash between the No. 23 BYU Cougars and the West Virginia Mountaineers looks set to be an electrifying Big 12 showdown.
BYU is still undefeated, while West Virginia’s been struggling to find its footing. This game feels pretty pivotal for both teams.
The Cougars are coming off a narrow win against Colorado and want to solidify their standing. The Mountaineers, on the other hand, are just hoping to bounce back after consecutive losses.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds, predictions, and a few key factors that could decide how this highly anticipated game shakes out.
Game Overview
BYU, currently ranked No. 23, is set to host West Virginia in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling Big 12 matchup.
The Cougars have a perfect 4-0 record so far and have looked strong in conference play. Their most recent win was a close one—24-21 over Colorado.
West Virginia’s start has been, well, rocky. They’re sitting at 2-3 and just got thumped 48-14 by Utah.
Historically, the Mountaineers have actually won both previous matchups against BYU. This time around, though, the odds are with the Cougars, who are 19.5-point favorites according to the latest consensus.
Current Odds and Betting Insights
If you’re thinking about placing a bet, here are the current odds:
- Spread: BYU -19.5
- Over/Under: 46.5 points
- Money Line: BYU -1316, West Virginia +783
These numbers show a lot of confidence in BYU’s ability to control the game. Still, there are a few dynamics worth considering.
West Virginia’s offense, led by Rich Rodriguez, leans heavily on the ground game. That could help them control the clock and maybe even cover the spread.
The Mountaineers are ranked third in the Big 12 for rushing offense, with 11 touchdowns on the ground this season.
BYU’s Strengths
BYU’s defense has been a real standout so far, giving up just 9.2 points per game and only one passing touchdown.
They’ve done a great job protecting the ball, too—just one turnover all season, compared to seven takeaways. That’s one of the best turnover margins in college football right now.
On offense, the Cougars are piling up over 250 rushing yards per game, averaging a pretty wild 6.3 yards per carry.
West Virginia’s Challenges
West Virginia’s got some hurdles to clear here. They’ve struggled against ranked teams, dropping their last eight games against top-25 opponents and not covering the spread in any of those.
Their offense is also lagging, sitting second-worst in the Big 12 with just 22 points per game. And with a negative turnover margin (-2), their path to a win gets even trickier.
Key Matchups to Watch
There are a few key battles that could really swing this game:
BYU’s Defense vs. West Virginia’s Rushing Attack
West Virginia’s ability to run the ball will be a huge factor. They’ve had some success on the ground, like racking up 261 yards against Utah’s tough defense.
But BYU’s defense has been tough all season, especially when it comes to limiting opponents’ scoring chances.
Turnover Battle
Turnovers might end up being the story of the night. BYU’s strong turnover margin gives them a clear edge.
If West Virginia wants to hang around, they’ll need to protect the ball and maybe force a couple of mistakes from BYU.
Quarterback Play
Quarterback play will be under the microscope, too. BYU’s offense has been efficient, and their QB is doing a solid job managing the game and avoiding big mistakes.
West Virginia’s quarterback, meanwhile, will need to step up if they hope to break through BYU’s tough defense.
Betting Trends and Predictions
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every FBS game 10,000 times, is leaning towards the Over on the total—projecting 54 combined points.
It also suggests that one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. BYU hasn’t been great against the spread in conference games lately, going 0-5 in their last five. West Virginia, though, has shown some resilience after losses, with a 7-4-1 ATS record after a straight-up defeat since the start of the 2024 season.
Final Thoughts
This Big 12 clash between BYU and West Virginia looks like it could get interesting. Both teams have plenty on the line here.
BYU might be favored, but West Virginia’s running game is nothing to shrug off. There’s a certain toughness to the Mountaineers that keeps things unpredictable.
If you’re thinking about placing a bet, it’s probably smart to dig into the matchups and dig a bit deeper into the trends. Want more details or a deeper dive? Check out CBS Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
