BYU Tops Cincinnati 26-14, One Win from Big 12 Title

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The No. 11-ranked Brigham Young Cougars moved one victory away from securing their first Big 12 Conference championship game appearance since joining the league three years ago, defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats 26-14 on Saturday night at Nippert Stadium.

LJ Martin powered the Cougars' ground attack with a career-high 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 33-yard score in the fourth quarter that sealed the win after Cincinnati had narrowed the gap to six points. The victory improved BYU to 10-1 overall and 7-1 in Big 12 play, keeping the team in control of its postseason destiny heading into a home finale against UCF next Saturday.

The game began with BYU striking first, as freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier capped a drive with a 6-yard rushing touchdown just over five minutes into the first quarter, giving the Cougars a 7-0 lead. Bachmeier, who has emerged as a dual-threat leader this season, extended his school record for quarterback rushing touchdowns to 11 with the score.

Cincinnati responded quickly, tying the game at 7-7 when Manny Covey returned a punt 57 yards to set up a 27-yard touchdown pass from Brendan Sorsby to Cyrus Allen. The...