The upcoming clash between the BYU Cougars and the Cincinnati Bearcats is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling matchups in the Week 13 college football slate. BYU is aiming for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, while Cincinnati wants to bounce back from consecutive losses.
The stakes are high for both teams. This game at Nippert Stadium could easily become a defining moment for both programs.
BYU’s Quest for the Big 12 Championship
The 11th-ranked BYU Cougars are on a mission. Sitting at 9-1, they’re looking to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship game.
Their journey hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. Even with that record, the College Football Playoff committee has them at No. 11, just outside the Playoff bracket.
That feels like a bit of a slight, doesn’t it? BYU has to win out—including the Big 12 title game—if they want any shot at the 12-team Playoff.
Focus on the Present
For BYU, the immediate focus is simple: beat Cincinnati. A loss at Nippert Stadium would only prove the Playoff Committee right.
The Cougars can’t afford to slip up against the Bearcats. Style points might not matter much for Big 12 teams, but a convincing win on the road over a bowl-eligible team would definitely help their case.
LJ Martin’s Role in BYU’s Success
Running back LJ Martin has been a cornerstone of BYU’s offense this season. He leads the Big 12 in rushing yards per game, averaging 91.2 yards.
It’s been five weeks, though, since Martin last rushed for over 100 yards in a game. His best since then was an 88-yard game against TCU, where he also added 34 receiving yards.
Exploiting Cincinnati’s Run Defense
This week could be Martin’s chance to break out again. Cincinnati ranks 86th nationally in run defense and 13th in the Big 12 during conference play.
If Martin can get past the 100-yard mark, BYU will be in a strong position to win. He’s just 88 yards away from 1,000 on the season, so a big night would be memorable.
The Importance of Complementary Football
BYU’s success really depends on all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—working together. In their last road game at Texas Tech, the defense did well, but the offense and special teams struggled.
Special teams have been a bit of a headache lately, especially with punting. It’s something that can’t be ignored.
Special Teams: A Critical Component
Last week, backup punter Fuller Shurtz got the start but fumbled one of his two punts. Even with that, BYU’s performance last week was probably their most complete of the season.
When all three phases come together, the Cougars can be tough to stop. That’s what they need again this week.
Key Matchups to Watch
There are a few matchups that could decide this one. One to watch: how BYU’s defense handles Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
Sorsby was once among the top quarterbacks in the country, but lately, he’s struggled. Over the last five games, he’s completed just 54% of his passes and hasn’t cracked 200 yards through the air.
Containing Brendan Sorsby
Sorsby is a dual-threat, but injuries have slowed him down. Last week, he was in the medical tent against Arizona with an ankle issue.
He’s expected to play, though. BYU’s defense, led by coordinator Jay Hill, needs to make sure Sorsby doesn’t have a breakout game. Hill’s crew was excellent last week in shutting down TCU’s Josh Hoover—they’ll want to do it again here.
The Impact of Evan Pryor
Cincinnati gets a boost with the return of running back Evan Pryor, who missed the last two games. Pryor, a former Ohio State Buckeye, will team up with Tawee Walker for a “thunder and lightning” backfield.
Pryor’s return adds something new to Cincinnati’s offense, especially paired with Sorsby’s running ability. That combo could be tricky.
BYU’s Defensive Strategy
BYU’s defense will need to be sharp to contain Cincinnati’s offense. The Cougars match up well against the Bearcats, but execution has to be on point.
A fast start, a big night from LJ Martin, and winning the turnover battle—those are the keys for BYU. Let’s see if they can pull it off.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
All signs point to a competitive, high-stakes game between these two teams. BYU looks ready to get off to a fast start, and LJ Martin could end up being the difference-maker.
If the Cougars manage to win the turnover battle and execute well in every phase, they’ve got a real shot at coming out on top. It’s not clear if a win here would turn the heads of the College Football Playoff Committee, but it’d still move BYU closer to what they’re chasing.
Score Prediction: BYU 33, Cincinnati 23
Curious for more details? You can check out the full article over at KSL Sports.
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