What's Happening?
LJ Martin delivered a standout performance for BYU, rushing for a career-high 222 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a 26-14 victory over Cincinnati. This win keeps BYU's hopes alive for the Big 12 title
game. Martin's 222 rushing yards rank eighth in school history, marking the 18th instance a BYU running back has surpassed 200 yards. The Cougars capitalized on Cincinnati's mistakes, including missed field goals and turnovers, to secure the win. BYU's defense limited Cincinnati to 87 rushing yards, their lowest since December 2022. The victory was crucial for BYU, who could have clinched a Big 12 Championship Game berth but must wait due to Arizona State's win over Colorado.
Why It's Important?
BYU's victory over Cincinnati is significant as it maintains their position in the race for the Big 12 Championship Game. The performance by LJ Martin highlights the strength of BYU's ground game, which could be pivotal in upcoming matches. The win also underscores the importance of capitalizing on opponents' errors, as Cincinnati's missed field goals and turnovers were costly. For Cincinnati, the loss marks a continuation of their late-season struggles, impacting their bowl eligibility prospects. The game reflects the competitive nature of the Big 12, where every win is crucial for championship aspirations.
What's Next?
BYU will host UCF in their next game, aiming to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. Cincinnati will face TCU, seeking to end their losing streak and improve their bowl eligibility chances. Both teams will need to address their weaknesses, with BYU focusing on maintaining their strong ground game and Cincinnati aiming to reduce turnovers and improve field goal accuracy.
