Overview
- BYU can reach the Big 12 championship game by winning at Cincinnati and then against UCF, and could clinch Saturday if Arizona State loses at Colorado plus either Utah beats Kansas State or TCU beats Houston.
- The Cougars are 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the Big 12 with a No. 11 CFP ranking, led by a defense that tops the league in interceptions and freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s dual‑threat production.
- Bachmeier has thrown for 2,177 yards with 13 touchdowns and rushed for 479 yards with 10 scores, tying BYU’s single‑season quarterback rushing touchdown record.
- Cincinnati is 7-3 (5-2 Big 12) after allowing 75 points and 955 yards in losses to Utah and Arizona, and coach Scott Satterfield called BYU’s defense “one of the best in the country.”
- Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff will broadcast from outside Nippert Stadium for the Saturday 8 p.m. ET game on FOX, as the Bearcats honor 22 seniors and try to rebound.
- Six teams remain in contention for Arlington, but only BYU and Texas Tech can clinch this weekend, and a BYU berth could set up a rematch with No. 6 Texas Tech.