Cincinnati vs BYU Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Defense-Minded Football

Two new Big 12 programs meet for the first time as power conference schools when the Cincinnati Bearcats and BYU Cougars collide this evening in Provo, Utah. 

It was a rough start for both programs in Big 12 play last weekend, but this game at least guarantees a first-ever conference win for one side. Can the Bearcats cover the college football odds spread and avoid a three-game losing streak on the road? 

Here are my free college football picks and predictions for Cincinnati vs. BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 29. 

Cincinnati vs BYU best odds

Cincinnati vs BYU picks and predictions

The Cincinnati Bearcats have dropped consecutive games after a 2-0 start with home losses to Miami (OH) and Oklahoma. Despite only scoring six points last weekend, it has not been for a lack of offense. They average 488 total yards per game, which ranks 14th in the country. 

However, Cincy has struggled in the red zone both offensively and defensively. The offense ranks 107th in red-zone scoring percentage with nine touchdowns and five field goals in 19 attempts. The defense also ranks 107th with nine touchdowns and four field goals allowed in 14 attempts.

This will need to be rectified immediately in Provo, as the Cougars are an excellent RZ team. They are tied for first in the country in red-zone scoring percentage with 12 touchdowns and three field goals in 15 attempts. However, that may be the only advantage BYU will have on the offensive side of the ball.

BYU ranks 62nd in scoring offense, 109th in total yards per game, and 115th in third-down conversion percentage. It is completely dependent on QB Kedon Slovis' arm to put points on the board. The Cougars rank 127th in the country in rushing offense, averaging 61 yards per game on the ground. 

With absolutely no rushing attack, I expect the Cincinnati defense to gameplan properly and be ready to stop the BYU passing game. The Bearcats defense has 12 sacks and three interceptions this season and ranks 39th in third-down percentage.

Cincy should be able to contain the BYU offense enough to keep it out of the red zone for most of the game. On the flip side, the BYU defense is good enough to keep the Cincy offense from putting up big numbers in what should wind up a relatively low-scoring game. 

My best bet: Under 48.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.

Cincinnati vs BYU same-game parlay

Under 48.5

Neither team reaches 30 points

3-way first score: field goal

+575 at bet365

With expectations for a lower-scoring game, we will be looking to find some good correlating props for a same-game parlay. 

Bet365 seems to have the best market offerings for an Under SGP, so we will start with our best bet of Under 48.5 and combine that with neither team to reach 30 points. Cincy has played two games already this season where neither team reached the 30-point mark. This game will be similar to those. 

Finally, we can add the first scoring method of a field goal. This is our big odds booster as each team has started the game with a touchdown in three of their four contests. However, I think this is going to be a field position game early and the most likely score will come from a kick than a touchdown. .

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Cincinnati vs BYU spread and Over/Under analysis

This game is very much a toss-up and the spread shows that. Cincinnati is likely the more talented team, hence why the Bearcats are slight favorites on the road. They also have the motivation to save their season after losing consecutive games. 

However, BYU is a tough road environment and will have the edge in special teams and in the red zone. The Cougars have already blocked both a kick and a punt this season, while the Bearcats have already had a kick blocked. I slightly lean on them to win this game. 

The BYU defense ranks 44th in total yards allowed per game. It also ranks 23rd in third-down percentage allowed. The Cougars also rank 24th in net punt yards. This will be a field position game and will help contribute to the Under. 

Cincinnati vs BYU betting trend to know

Cincinnati has hit the Game Total Under in five of their last six away games. Find more college football betting trends for Cincinnati vs BYU.

Cincinnati vs BYU game info

Cincinnati vs BYU latest injuries

Cincinnati vs BYU weather

Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic