Big 12 football: Preview and predictions for each Week 5 conference game

FORT WORTH, TX - SEPTEMBER 2: A detailed view of an end zone pylon with the Big XII logo is seen before the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Colorado Buffaloes at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 2, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 5: Gunner Kiel #11 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to throw the ball during the game against the BYU Cougars at Nippert Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bearcats (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) at BYU Cougars (3-1, 0-1 Big 12)

This game marks the first time a pair of Big 12 newcomers face off one-on-one. It will be a high-stakes conference game taking place in the Mountain time zone on a Friday night.

Both schools are still searching for their first win in league play after BYU fell to Kansas and Cincinnati lost at home against Oklahoma. The Bearcats could not even muster up a touchdown last Saturday and had an embarrassing loss to Miami (OH) two weeks prior.

While BYU’s rushing offense is horrendous — they rank fourth-worst in the country in rushing yards and yards per carry — Kedon Slovis has done a terrific job airing out the ball lately. Cincinnati’s defense has been decent this season, but they rank in the bottom half of the nation in passing defense. With a chip on their shoulders and what should be a packed house in Provo, I think BYU will prove the oddsmakers wrong and come out with a victory.

Game Prediction: 27-21, BYU

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