Big 12 Newcomers BYU Football Hosts Cincinnati in Search of First League Win

BYU and Cincinnati will face off in their first Big 12 game, both teams seeking their first conference win.

When BYU and Cincinnati face off at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday night, one team will come away with their first victory in the Big 12 conference. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this game are palpable, as expressed by BYU senior quarterback Kedon Slovis, who acknowledges the electric atmosphere that the stadium provides at night. The players and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their skills and support their team under the lights.

Both BYU and Cincinnati had opportunities to start their conference play on a positive note last week but fell short. The Cougars suffered a loss on the road against Kansas, while the Bearcats were defeated at home by Oklahoma. As a result, both teams will be fueled by a sense of urgency to secure their first conference win.

BYU freshman linebacker Harrison Taggart recognizes this urgency and attests to the team's heightened intensity in their preparation for the upcoming game. However, he also acknowledges the need to strike a balance and not let the pressure overwhelm them. Taggart emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm and focused mindset, which can be achieved through practice and mental discipline.

Defensive coordinator Jay Hill reflects on the previous game against Kansas, noting instances where the team tried to do too much and became disorganized. He emphasizes the need for the team to return to their fundamental principles and execute their assignments effectively. By doing so, the Cougar defense can regain their composure and deliver a strong performance.

While the BYU defense faces a formidable challenge in containing the Cincinnati offense, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick believes that the bigger test lies with the Cougar offense. Roderick praises the Bearcat defense as the toughest they have faced all season, highlighting the talent and coaching prowess of their defensive line. He emphasizes the need for improved balance in the BYU offense, with a focus on both the running and passing game. However, Roderick acknowledges that this will be no easy task against a strong Cincinnati defense.

Both BYU and Cincinnati have had one less day to prepare for this game, but Cougar head coach Kalani Sitake sees this as an advantage. Sitake expresses his respect for the Bearcat program and their talented players. He reiterates his team's enjoyment of being a part of the Big 12 conference and looks forward to the opportunities and partnerships that lie ahead. Sitake is eager to bring Cincinnati to their home stadium and compete in front of their passionate fan base.

In terms of historical matchups, this will be the third meeting between BYU and Cincinnati, with the Cougars emerging victorious in both previous encounters. BYU won in Provo in 2015 and secured a win in Cincinnati in 2016. Additionally, the Cougars have a solid record of 6-4 in regular-season Friday games under Coach Sitake. The last time Cincinnati visited LaVell Edwards Stadium was also on a Friday night in 2015.

After the game against Cincinnati, BYU will have a bye week, marking their first October bye week since 2019. This break will provide the team with an opportunity to rest and regroup before continuing their season.

Overall, the upcoming matchup between BYU and Cincinnati promises to be a highly anticipated and competitive game. Both teams are determined to secure their first conference victory and showcase their skills on the field. The atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium will undoubtedly be electric, with fans eagerly supporting their teams under the Friday night lights.