(Photo: Action Network)
Campus Clash
(12) BYU Cougars at (25) Cincinnati Bearcats
BYU (9–1):
When I last saw them play, they had their worst game of the season, suffering their first loss of the year against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock. Don’t feel too bad about it—Texas Tech is a good football team, and they’ve beaten up on quite a few opponents this year, with BYU being one of them. I’m the type of analyst who looks at how you respond, not at what happens to you. I’ve said this a few times this season: in this sport, you must turn the page and look ahead. They did just that in Week 12, getting back in the win column against the TCU Horned Frogs and returning to their identity: ground-and-pound football. As a team, they ran for 151 yards, and it looks like they’re still working to get LJ Martin reacclimated to the offense after he missed time with an injury. The Texas Tech game was also my first chance to watch Bear Bachmeier play, and honestly, I get Taysom Hill vibes from him—the way he runs and moves as a ball carrier—but I think he’s a much better passer than Taysom was. This BYU team plays a punishing brand of football on both sides of the ball, which excites me because they are a physical group. This Saturday night, they travel to Ohio for a showdown with the Bearcats.
Cincinnati (7–3):
Things were looking up for Cincinnati earlier this season. Week One was a heartbreaking loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, made even tougher because it happened at home. After that defeat, this group reeled off seven straight wins, including a victory over an Iowa State team that was really settling in at the time. Then they were punched in the mouth by the Utah Utes and dropped another tough one to the Arizona Wildcats. For a while, this was a team many considered a dark-horse playoff contender, but with three losses, that won’t happen. Still, with six wins, they’re bowl-eligible. Cincinnati’s success has been predicated on two things: one of the best offensive lines in the Big 12, and the balanced, efficient play of quarterback Brendan Sorsby. This offense can run the ball—averaging nearly six yards per carry—and they keep Sorsby clean and upright. Defensively, they’re an opportunistic group that capitalizes on opponents’ mistakes. Saturday marks their final home game of the season, and it’s a big one against BYU.
BYU X-Factor: Jack Kelly
When I watched the BYU–Texas Tech game, Jack Kelly caught my eye every time the Cougars were on defense. Whether he was dropping into coverage and holding his own, spying Behren Morton, or flying to the ball to make a tackle, he was everywhere. His motor is always revved high, and I’ve seen him make plays from the opposite side of the field thanks to his speed and relentlessness. Cincinnati must identify where he is at all times.
Cincinnati X-Factor: Tawee Walker
Pay attention to what Walker brings to this offense. He’s their tone-setter. When he’s rolling, the entire unit settles in. He can turn two-yard gains into five-yard runs, keep the offense on schedule, and open up play-action for Sorsby. Against Texas Tech, BYU showed vulnerability to the run game, and if I’m Cincinnati, I’m studying that film closely and borrowing whatever I can for my game plan.
Final Thoughts:
I can’t believe we only have two more Saturdays in the regular season—it always goes by so quickly! BYU controls its own destiny: win these last two games, and they’ll get a rematch with Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship. Cincinnati, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to spoil BYU’s playoff hopes. For BYU, the key matchup will be their aggressive defensive front against Cincinnati’s stout offensive line. Sorsby rarely gets hit or moved off his spot, and disrupting him will be essential. They also can’t allow Walker to build momentum—once he gets going, he’s dangerous. Offensively, BYU needs to lean into the run game; efficient rushing will help control the clock and sustain long drives. For Cincinnati, balance is everything. They’ve been effective both on the ground and through the air. Keep Sorsby protected at all costs and look for explosive plays downfield—this BYU defense can be had. We should see fireworks in this one Saturday night.
