SP+ Predicts BYU vs Cincinnati

After two years of waiting, BYU's first Big 12 home game is here. The Cougars are 3-1 and preparing to host Cincinnati in week five. Cincinnati is 2-2 and coming off a 20-6 loss against Oklahoma. SP+, a predictive algorithm created by ESPN's Bill Connelly, cemented its prediction for BYU-Cincinnati on Sunday.

SP+ gives BYU a 56% chance to beat Cincinnati with an expected final score of 27-24. SP+ is in line with the oddsmakers. As of this writing, BYU is a 2.5-point favorite over Cincinnati. However, SP+ is higher on BYU's chances than the ESPN FPI algorithm. FPI gives BYU a 42.7% chance to beat the Bearcats.

The game will be the second conference game for both teams. BYU will lean on its new and improved defense to make life difficult for the Cincinnati offense. The Bearcats struggled to find a consistent rhythm against the Sooners. Most pressing for BYU is the running game, or lack thereof. After four games, BYU ranks 128th in the country. The Cougars have relied solely on veteran quarterback Kedon Slovis to move the ball.

Other Notable SP+ Predictions

The college football weekend is loaded with high-profile games since conference football is underway. Here are a few SP+ predictions for the notable games across the country.

Oregon State 26 vs Utah 25

Arkansas 33 vs Texas A&M 22

USC 46 vs Colorado 19

Baylor 20 vs UCF 34

Kansas 19 vs Texas 39

West Virginia 20 - TCU 34

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