Cincinnati played the Sooners tough; they just couldn’t capitalize on the offensive side. Despite their offensive struggles, the Bearcats are still totaling more than 160 total yards on offense as compared to Brigham Young. The Bearcats have the capabilities in the secondary to keep Kedon Slovis in check, as the Cougars are a pass heavy team, and they limited an explosive Oklahoma passing to a season low 322 yards through the air. Brigham Young only averages 61 rushing yards per game and the Bearcats have a more balanced attack.

Red zone and kickoff time. How's that for reasons to like BYU? Cincinnati's offense has motored outside the opponents' 20-yard line but is inconsistent in the red, with fewer than half of its trips turning into touchdowns. BYU has converted on all 15 such excursions, with a dozen TDs. Kickoff takes place for the Bearcats with their body clocks at 10:15 p.m. The Cougars will be in their comfort zone, with a comparable 8:15 start. The advantage could come into play as the midnight hour (locally) approaches.

BYU has always had a strong home advantage because of a very faithful fan base and the altitude in Provo however over the past 6 years they are just a 50% cover team at home. HC Kalani Sitake had done a nice job with the program in his seven years, winning 29 over the last three. Former USC QB Kedon Slovis is a big upgrade at QB for the Cougars who have the better offensive and defensive lines. My model has BYU by 5.5 points. I don't agree with the line move. Take the home dog.

I think the BYU spread should be twice what it is which makes it an automatic play. Rise and shout the Cougars are out at home on Friday night and come off a tough loss at Kansas, one week after winning at Arkansas. BYU won home and away against Cincinnati in 2015-16. Cincinnati QB Emory Jones has tossed 0 TDs and 4 interceptions in his last two games, one of them a 31-24 loss as 14-point home favorites to Miami-Ohio. I’m on BYU to cover.