Incoming Big 12 Teams and How They Fared in Week Five

Utah State: 26 at No. 19 BYU: 38

This Thursday night matchup between a one-win Utah State team and BYU was much more of a shootout than fans and media members expected. The Aggies started fast, taking their first drive down for a touchdown. However, the Cougars’ quarterback Jaren Hall found Keanu Hill for a 31-yard score just a minute later. On the next possession for the Aggies, Logan Bonner’s pass was tipped, intercepted, and taken back to the endzone for six by Max Tooley. Although Utah State’s effort in the first half is commendable, it was clear that BYU was the better team coming out of halftime, chewing the clock on long, methodical drives. Jaren Hall shined in the win, throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns. The Cougars move up three spots in the AP poll and improve to three and one. 

Up Next for No. 16 BYU: at Notre Dame

Cincinnati: 31 at Tulsa: 21

Similarly to BYU, Cincinnati faced an underrated but resilient opponent in week five. Tulsa came within just one score of Ole Miss, a top ten team, just one week ago. So, even though Cincinnati was unranked, it was a potential trap game for the Bearcats. Luckily for Luke Fickell, his team started fast, returning an interception for a touchdown and Ben Bryant throwing a 61-yard bomb to wide receiver Tyler Scott. After another touchdown from Corey Kiner, the Bearcats held a ten-point lead at halftime. While Tulsa did find the endzone in each of the first three quarters, Cincinnati’s early surge was too much to overcome. The Bearcats’ defense stepped up to earn the win, forcing two turnovers and a stunning twelve sacks. Although it was closer than expected, Cincinnati escapes Tulsa and moves back into the top 25 for the first time since week one. 

Up Next for No. 24 Cincinnati: vs. South Florida

Tulane: 27 at Houston: 24

Houston’s disappointing season continues with a loss to Tulane at home. While Tulane’s win over Kansas State in Manhattan is impressive, the Green Wave entered this game with their backup quarterback set to start. It only made matters worse for the Cougars that Justin Ibieta, Tulane’s second-string quarterback, injured his shoulder on the game’s first drive and never returned. Since Houston is one of the more experienced teams in the country, the Cougars should have thrived at home, especially with their season on the line. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Houston did take a touchdown lead with three minutes to go in the fourth, but again their defense squandered this lead, and the game went to overtime. The Cougars kicked a field goal on their first possession, but Kai Horton, the Green Waves’ third-string quarterback, threw his third touchdown of the night to seal the victory. Houston could now be in jeopardy of missing a bowl and will look to salvage their season Friday night against Memphis. 

Up Next For Houston: at Memphis

Photo by Brett Coomer / Associated Press