PaperGlitch
Published on 11/23/2025
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BYU Outlasts Cincinnati 26-14 in Crucial Big 12 Showdown, Keeps Title Hopes Alive
BYU Outlasts Cincinnati 26-14 in Crucial Big 12 Showdown, Keeps Title Hopes Alive :
In a hard-fought Big 12 Conference matchup on November 22, 2025, the No. 11 BYU Cougars secured a vital 26-14 road victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats. This win was critical for BYU, keeping their aspirations for a Big 12 Championship game appearance firmly intact. The game, played at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, showcased BYU's resilient ground game and opportunistic defense against a Bearcats team that struggled to convert scoring opportunities.
The atmosphere was electric, with Cincinnati celebrating Senior Night, but it was the Cougars who ultimately dictated the narrative. While not always a perfectly executed game, BYU's ability to minimize mistakes and capitalize on Cincinnati's miscues proved to be the difference. This triumph marks a significant step for BYU as they navigate a challenging conference schedule and look to build on their impressive season record.
LJ Martin's Dominant Performance Fuels BYU's Ground Attack :
A standout performance by BYU running back LJ Martin was undeniably the engine behind the Cougars' offensive success. Martin ran for a career-high 222 yards, marking the 15th 200-yard rushing game in BYU's storied history and his sixth game this season surpassing the 100-yard mark. He found the end zone twice, including a crucial 33-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Martin's ability to consistently gain significant yardage, even through small creases, was lauded by his teammates, highlighting the effectiveness of the offensive line. This powerful ground game allowed BYU to control the clock and wear down the Cincinnati defense, which was a critical factor in the Cougars' road win. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier also contributed to the rushing effort with 46 yards and a touchdown, adding another dimension to BYU's offensive scheme.
Bearcats' Missed Opportunities Prove Costly :
For the Cincinnati Bearcats, the game was a story of missed opportunities, particularly in crucial scoring situations and on special teams. Kicker Stephen Rusnak, who had been reliable throughout the season, struggled immensely, missing three field goal attempts from 42, 40, and 48 yards. These nine potential points could have dramatically altered the game's complexion.
Beyond the missed kicks, Cincinnati also squandered several drives deep in BYU territory, including a key fumble in the red zone and a failed fourth-and-one attempt inside the BYU 5-yard line. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby, despite throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns, also threw an interception early in the third quarter that BYU promptly converted into points. These errors proved too much to overcome against a disciplined BYU squad.
Key Turning Points and Momentum Swings :
The game saw several pivotal moments that shifted momentum in favor of BYU. After Cincinnati tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Sorsby to Cyrus Allen, BYU responded with a field goal to take a 10-7 lead into halftime.
The third quarter proved crucial when Sorsby threw an interception to BYU safety Tanner Wall, leading to an 11-play, 66-yard scoring drive capped by LJ Martin's 1-yard touchdown run, extending BYU's lead to 17-7. An offsides penalty on Cincinnati during a BYU punt also extended a drive, allowing the Cougars to add a 32-yard field goal, further solidifying their control of the game. These moments underscored BYU's ability to capitalize on Bearcat errors.
Big 12 Implications and Future Outlook :
With this victory, No. 11 BYU improved to 10-1 overall and 7-1 in the Big 12 Conference, maintaining strong hopes for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game. Their fate now largely rests on their final regular-season game against UCF, where a win would secure their berth regardless of other outcomes.
For Cincinnati, this 26-14 loss drops their record to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in Big 12 play, marking their third consecutive defeat. Their Big 12 title aspirations have officially ended. The Bearcats will now look to rebound in their final regular-season game against TCU and prepare for their bowl season destination.
Historical Context: BYU's Dominance Over Cincinnati :
The recent victory further solidifies BYU's historical advantage over Cincinnati in their football series. The Cougars now hold a perfect 3-0 all-time record against the Bearcats. Previous encounters saw BYU emerge victorious in 2015 (38-24) and 2016 (20-3), with the latest win continuing this trend.
This consistent performance against Cincinnati highlights a favorable matchup for BYU, showcasing their ability to execute their game plan effectively against the Bearcats' system. As both teams continue to compete in the Big 12, future matchups will undoubtedly carry added weight.
Coaching Perspectives and Team Performance :
BYU coach Kalani Sitake emphasized the importance of winning, stating that the most important thing is to win every game to be in contention. His team's performance, particularly their ability to run the ball effectively and play strong defense, demonstrated a team peaking at the right time. The Cougars' defense, which held Cincinnati to 87 rushing yards—their fewest since December 2022—was a testament to their preparation and execution.
Cincinnati Head Coach Scott Satterfield acknowledged that his team went 'toe-to-toe' with the No. 11 ranked BYU but admitted they 'did not play our best ball,' citing the missed field goals and other critical errors. He praised the atmosphere at Nippert Stadium but recognized that execution was the missing piece for the Bearcats in this pivotal contest.