The BYU Cougars (BYU football) are heading into a crucial BYU vs Cincinnati matchup that could significantly impact their Big 12 title hopes. On November 22, 2025, BYU (9–1, 6–1 in Big 12) travels to Nippert Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bearcats (UC football), who come in with a 7–3 (5–2 Big 12) record.
Stakes & Significance
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BYU controls its destiny: a win over UC and a strong finish could lock in a spot in the Big 12 Championship game.
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For Cincinnati football, this is their last home game of the regular season — a chance to derail BYU’s title aspirations and boost their own standing.
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The game is being broadcast on FOX, with the “Big Noon Kickoff” crew in attendance from Cincinnati.
Key Players & Team Dynamics
BYU Cougars Football
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Bear Bachmeier (BYU’s quarterback) has had a strong season: over 2,100 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions.
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LJ Martin is BYU’s workhorse running back. He’s averaging ~91.2 rushing yards per game, making him a serious threat on the ground.
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BYU’s defense has been solid — top in the Big 12 in interceptions, and strong in pass rush, which could disrupt Cincinnati’s offensive flow.
Cincinnati Bearcats Football
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Brendan Sorsby, UC’s QB, showed flashes but has been inconsistent; in their recent loss to BYU, he threw for 300 yards but also had an interception.
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The Bearcats’ offense is dangerous: they average about 427 yards per game.
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Defensively, their pass defense has been a weakness — BYU could look to exploit that with both the run and the pass.
Recent BYU vs Cincinnati Matchups & Series Context
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Historically, BYU has had the upper hand: they lead the all-time series against Cincinnati in football.
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In their last meeting (November 2025), BYU defeated Cincinnati 26–14, thanks largely to a dominant performance by LJ Martin, who rushed for a career-high 222 yards and scored twice.
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That win was critical for BYU’s playoff and conference-championship hopes.
Prediction: BYU vs Cincinnati 2025
Given the stakes and current form:
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Analytics (FPI) heavily favor BYU, projecting around a 67.5% chance of victory.
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Betting markets list BYU as a 2.5-point road favorite
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Key to BYU’s win: lean on LJ Martin’s rushing, protect Bachmeier, and force the Bearcats into mistakes on offense.
Prediction: BYU edges out Cincinnati with a final score in the range of 26–20 — enough to secure a win but not a blowout, reflecting how high the intensity and pressure will be.
Where & How to Watch
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The game is televised on FOX.
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For fans watching online, check streaming options that carry FOX in your region. (In the U.S., this might be via FOX’s streaming service or a TV provider’s app.)
Broader Implications
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A BYU win boosts their Big 12 title-game chances and potentially improves their College Football Playoff profile.
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For Cincinnati Bearcats, a win could revive their season momentum and keep them relevant in Big 12 standings heading into their final games.
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The game underscores BYU’s rise under coach Kalani Sitake, highlighting their balanced offense and resilient defense.
Conclusion
The BYU vs Cincinnati matchup is more than just another regular-season game — it’s a pivotal moment for BYU’s Big 12 ambitions and Cincinnati’s opportunity to play spoiler. With LJ Martin leading the ground attack, Bear Bachmeier running a dual-threat offense, and BYU’s defense primed for big plays, the Cougars look well-positioned. But the Bearcats, playing in front of a home crowd, will be motivated and dangerous.
If BYU executes their game plan, they could very well come out on top and take a major step toward their postseason goals.
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