by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Nov 20, 2025
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET, Saturday, November 22, 2025
Venue: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Where to Watch: FOX
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: BYU -2.5, Cincinnati +2.5; Over/Under: 55.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: BYU -2.5, Cincinnati +2.5; Over/Under: 55 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: BYU -2.5, Cincinnati +2.5; Over/Under: 55.5 points
Season Record
BYU Cougars: 9-1 (6-1) (2nd place, Big 12)
Cincinnati Bearcats: 7-3 (5-2) (5th place, Big 12)
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Recent Form
BYU Cougars: won their last game at home against the TCU Horned Frogs 44-13.
Cincinnati Bearcats: lost their last game at home against the Arizona Wildcats 30-24.
BYU Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats Preview and Analysis
BYU is entering this game with a 9-1 record overall and they have a 6-1 record in their conference games too. They are 5-0 in their home games, 4-1 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They won their last game against TCU 44-13. Bear Bachmeier was the starting QB and he completed 23/33 passes for 296 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. LJ Martin led the team in rushing yards with 88 and 1 TD. Parker Kingston led the receivers with 80 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Faletau Satuala led the defense in that game with 4 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle while Nusi Taumoepeau, Keanu Tanuvasa, and Evan Johnson each led the defense in sacks with 1. Tanner Wall and Faletau Satuala each came away with 1 interception for them in that one.
Cincinnati is entering this game with a 7-3 record overall and they have a 5-2 record in their conference games too. They are 5-1 in their home games, 2-1 in their road games, and they are also 0-1 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They lost their last game against Arizona 30-24. Brendan Sorsby was the starting QB and he completed 15/28 passes for 154 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Tawee Walker led the team in rushing yards with 119. Jeff Caldwell led the receivers with 68 receiving yards on 5 receptions and 1 TD. Jake Golday led the defense in that game with 4 solo tackles and 9 assisted tackles while Mikah Coleman, Marquaze Parker, and Jalen Hunt each led the defense in sacks with 1. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that one.
BYU vs Cincinnati Prediction
The current betting odds have BYU listed as a 2.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. BYU has looked great in their games this season with their 9-1 record overall and their 6-1 conference record which has them right near the top of the Big 12. They are currently ranked inside the top 15 teams in the nation and they are fighting for a spot in the CFP. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has looked good in their games this season with their 7-3 record overall and their 5-2 conference record which has them right near the top of the Big 12. They were ranked inside the top 25 going into last week, but they are no longer ranked after losing to Arizona at home 30-24. They had a chance at the Big 12 Championship and possibly the CFP, but that loss to Arizona has really killed their hopes and they could come out flat here against one of the best teams in the conference. BYU's only loss was on the road against Texas Tech who looks like a National Championship contender, but BYU is still in line to make the Big 12 Championship so they are going to bring their best effort here. They are off a 44-13 win over TCU in their last one and they continue to find ways to win games every week. BYU is a team that has proven themselves this season while Cincinnati has looked like a different team in these big games in the conference. The best way to place a bet here is on BYU to cover the spread in this game.
BYU Cincinnati Prediction: Our NCAAF Pick for Saturday, November 22, 2025 (8:00 pm ET start time) is BYU 31 Cincinnati 17.
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NCAAF Betting Trends
BYU Cougars: 9-2 ATS when the line is +3 to -3. 11-4 ATS after playing a game at home. 8-3 ATS vs. good teams - outscoring opponents by 10+ PPG on the season. 8-3 OVER when the line is +3 to -3. 7-3 OVER after scoring 37 points or more last game.
Cincinnati Bearcats: 3-10 ATS off a loss against a conference rival. 1-5 ATS after a game with a turnover margin of -2 or worse. 5-12 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record. 8-4 OVER versus good rushing teams - averaging 4.75 rushing yards/carry or more.
Key Injuries
BYU Cougars: M. Alford (LB) Out - Undisclosed. W. Lapuaho (OG) Out - Undisclosed. S. Moa (RB) Out - Undisclosed. T. Prassas (S) Out - Undisclosed. M. McKenzie (CB) Probable - Undisclosed. C. Hagen (WR) Probable - Undisclosed.
Cincinnati Bearcats: A. Peek Jr. (LB) Probable - Undisclosed. J. Golday (LB) Probable - Undisclosed. J. Sanks (LB) Probable - Undisclosed. B. Sorsby (QB) Probable - Undisclosed. Z. Johnson (RB) Questionable - Undisclosed. I. Johnson (WR) Questionable - Undisclosed. E. Pryor (RB) Probable - Undisclosed.
Notable Quotes
“Offensively, it felt like it was just good to let Bear throw the ball.” - Kalani Sitake after his team’s win against TCU in their last game.
“They were prepared and ready to play. Uncharacteristically, we had some drops to extend drives, missed some tackles. We didn't make enough plays today.” - Scott Satterfield after his team’s loss against Arizona in their last game.
Starting Lineups
BYU Cougars
WR Roberts, Chase
WR Hagen, Cody
WR Kingston, Parker
TE Ryan, Carsen
QB Bachmeier, Bear
RB Martin, LJ
Cincinnati Bearcats
WR Caldwell, Jeff
WR Goodie, Caleb
WR Allen, Cyrus
TE Royer, Joe
QB Sorsby, Brendan
RB Pryor, Evan
Statistical Leaders
BYU Cougars
Passing: Bear Bachmeier (2,177)
Rushing: LJ Martin (912)
Receiving: Chase Roberts (702)
Touchdowns: Bear Bachmeier (10)
Cincinnati Bearcats
Passing: Brendan Sorsby (2,218)
Rushing: Tawee Walker (652)
Receiving: Cyrus Allen (572)
Touchdowns: Cyrus Allen (10)
Coaches:
BYU Cougars: Kalani Sitake (10th season)
Cincinnati Bearcats: Scott Satterfield (3rd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
