No. 11 BYU defeats Bearcats, 26-14, eliminate Cincinnati from Big 12 Championship contention

Scott Satterfield and the Bearcats (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) fell to #11 BYU (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) by a final score of 26-14.

Now, for Cincinnati, their chance of playing for a Big 12 Championship is out of the window following tonight’s outcome. However, this was a game that the Bearcats could have seen a much different outcome if their cards had fallen on the right table.

For the Bearcats offense, they left arguably 17 points on the board to say the least between the likes of the offense and special teams. Luke Paschall and his group had arguably their worst performance of the season as veteran kicker Stephen Rusnak had his worst night of his career, despite being nails for the Bearcats all season long. The veteran kicker missed three field goal attempts, all of which were forty yards or longer.

However, the Bearcats' offense failed to make plays despite Brendan Sorsby throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns. The difference maker in this contest was the missed opportunities in the special team's game, but also on third down.

For the second week in a row, the Bearcats fall short in a game where they consistently struggled to move the chains in third-down scenarios. Tonight, the Bearcats went 4-13 on Third Down, which, now dating back over the last two weeks, the Bearcats are converting just 28% (7-25) of their third down plays. Which, for many, know that will make it hard to win ball games.

“You have to find ways and make plays when it matters, and we failed to do that tonight,” said Scott Satterfield. “We have played some good defenses over the last few weeks, but we have to find a way to execute better and move the chains.”

How it Happened

BYU struck first with a 7-0 lead over Cincinnati, scoring after a Bear Bachmeier touchdown run with 4:39 left in the first quarter. This ten-play drive followed a Bearcats' three-and-out on their first offensive series. BYU effectively converted four of its first five third downs on its opening two drives, establishing early momentum.

Despite BYU holding a 7-0 lead at the first quarter's end, Cincinnati responded. Brendan Sorsby led a drive highlighted by Evan Pryor’s 28-yard run and a 23-yard pass to Iasiah Johnson, moving the Bearcats across midfield. However, the drive stalled as they were stopped on 4th-and-1 at BYU’s two-yard line, missing a key opportunity to score.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s defense came to play, as they held the Cougars to a three-and-out moments later. A drive that was stalled after a huge tackle for loss from Linebacker Jack Dingle on 3rd-and-two. Instead, Cincinnati would then get the ball back at the Cougars' 46-yard line, with a chance to potentially go down and tie this game up.

The Bearcats' offense would move the ball on the first two plays of the drive before stalling. The Bearcats were forced to settle for a field goal after a Noah Jennings drop on third down. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, they failed to come away with any points for the second possession in a row after Stephan Rusnak missed the 42-yard field goal attempt.

BYU’s offense stalled out following a crucial penalty on third down. This forced a punt, which Manny Covey took back for a huge 57-yard gain. Two plays later, Sorsby connected with Cyrus Allen for his eleventh touchdown of the season. This time for 27 yards. Cincinnati and BYU were all tied up at seven with 6:34 to play in the second quarter.  

Bear Bachmeier led the Cougars on an eleven-play drive following the Bearcats' touchdown. A drive that was capped off with a 31-yard field goal from Will Ferrin with 2:00 to go in the first half. A huge opportunity for Cincinnati as they trailed 10-7 as they entered a two-minute drill.

Sorsby would move the offense downfield into Cougar territory, but yet again, the offense failed to come away with points. Cincinnati would be forced to settle for a 40-yard field goal from Stephen Rusnak with a chance to tie this game right before the half. Until the kick went wide right, as Cincinnati continued to leave points on the board.

BYU would extend its lead to ten, following a two-yard LJ Martin score. An eleven-play drive that came following the interception from Sorsby on the Bearcats' opening possession of the second half. Meanwhile, the Bearcats' defense was in position to get off the field, but a costly face mask from Antwan Peek Jr kept the drive flowing.

Stephen Rusnak then missed his third field goal of the night after a 48-yard kick fell short. Just like that, Cincinnati continued to run out of opportunities to put points on the board despite moving the ball downfield numerous times.

Cincinnati’s offense continued to struggle this evening after another turnover cost the Bearcats all hope of making a last-second comeback. BYU was able to lay a big hit on Cyrus Allen to force the fumble, and just like that, all momentum swung back in favor of the Cougars.

Meanwhile, the Cougars' offense was unable to withstand the Bearcats' defense following the Allen fumble, as Cincinnati continued to fight with hopes of making a last-second comeback.

The Bearcats then went down and executed a nine-play drive in just under a minute that was set up by a huge 37-yard reception from Manny Covey on the wheel route. Cincinnati then moved the ball into the red zone, where they faced a 3rd-and-14. Sorsby then connected with Jeff Caldwell for a 19-yard touchdown to make this a 20-14 game with just over four minutes to play.

Cincinnati was then in a position to potentially go down and win the game if they were able to get a stop and get the ball back to their offense. They failed to do so, essentially as BYU continued to milk the clock down before LJ Martin sprang loose for a 33-yard touchdown with 1:02 left to play.

Up Next

Cincinnati (7-4,5-3 Big 12) will be back in action next Saturday as they travel to Dallas to take on TCU in the regular season finale.