The Cincinnati Bearcats and the BYU Cougars meet Friday in college football action from LaVell Edwards Stadium. Cincinnati just finished up against Oklahoma last weekend. In that matchup the Bearcats lost by two touchdowns. As for BYU, they’re coming off a game versus Kansas. The Cougars would go on to fall by 11 points. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats didn’t have any trouble with Eastern Kentucky in their opener, cruising to a 66-13 win. Cincinnati took another victory in game two versus Pittsburgh, a lot closer at 27-21, though. Game three was the Bearcats’ first loss, 31-24 versus Miami-OH in overtime. Cincinnati QB Emory Jones came up with 265 yards and two interceptions in the defeat.
In the Oklahoma matchup, the Bearcats were only able to muster a couple of field goals and gave up points in every quarter during a 20-6 loss. Jones finished with 235 yards and two interceptions while also leading the rush on 42 yards. Chamon Metayer was tops in receiving with 50 yards off three catches.
Cincinnati Bearcats Team Facts
Cincinnati has won 16 of its last 17 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Cincinnati has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games against conference opponents.
Cincinnati has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 road games against conference opponents.
Cincinnati has won the first quarter in three of its last four road games against conference opponents.
Each of Cincinnati's last seven September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
BYU Cougars
Over on the Cougars’ side, they were able to dispatch Sam Houston 14-0 in their opener this year, then BYU cruised past Southern Utah 41-16 in game two. In the Arkansas matchup, the Cougars were able to power out a 38-31 victory thanks to 167 yards and two scores from QB Kedon Slovis. LJ Martin had a nice day on the ground as well with 77 yards and two TDs.
Last weekend versus Kansas, BYU had a 17-14 lead going into the second half. The Cougars gave up 24 points from there however and lost 38-27. Slovis put up 357 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Martin managed 28 rush yards, and Chase Roberts added five catches for 89 yards.
BYU Cougars Team Facts
BYU has won each of its last nine home games in September.
BYU has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
BYU has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Seven of BYU's last eight September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
BYU ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (8.9).
BYU ranked T16th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.615).
Cincinnati ranked 14th among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (9.0).
Cincinnati ranked 17th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (4.7).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stick with BYU in this one. Probably also staying away, though. The Cougars made all kinds of mistakes in their loss to Kansas, posting three turnovers (two picks), just nine rushing yards (357 passing) and a tepid 6-of-14 on third-down tries. On the other side, Kansas took great care of the ball with zero turnovers and BYU couldn’t stop the rush (221 yards). The Cougars are a better team than that however, and I like them to bounce back for another victory here.
As for Cincinnati, they did reasonably well against a great Oklahoma team, all things considered—even with the two turnovers and 3-of-15 on third downs. This will be a much more feasible matchup and it should be a fun game to watch. In the end I like BYU to eke out a cover, though.
