JC French IV takes over at QB after Brendan Sorsby's departure. The offense will lean heavily on the run game with Zion Johnson, Gi'Bran Payne, and Zylan Perry, using play-action passes. French's comfort in this system is critical, especially against a Boston College defense that will likely test his decision-making early.

First-year DC Nate Woody's pressure-based 3-3-5 scheme aims to force more turnovers after last season's low numbers. Key additions like Josh Hough, Chidera Otutu, and Filip Maciorowski should create chaos, but the unit must gel quickly against a Boston College offense that may try to exploit early miscommunications.

Cincinnati opens at home with a 2.5-point HFA boost. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, 64°F, and 13 mph wind, which could affect passing accuracy and kicking. The Bearcats' strong running game and experienced offensive line may benefit from these conditions, while the defense's pass rush could be aided by the wind.

The wide receiver room is almost entirely new, with Isaiah Johnson as the primary deep threat. JV Gibson, Larenzo Fenner, and Cade Wolford must step up. If the running game stalls or French faces pressure, the passing game's lack of chemistry could be a liability against Boston College's secondary.

Returning kicker Stephen Rusnak and punter Max Fletcher provide reliability in a game that could be close. Isaiah Johnson's speed on returns adds a big-play threat. In windy conditions, field position and kicking accuracy become even more important, giving Cincinnati a potential advantage.

BYU enters the season with sky-high expectations after back-to-back 11+ win seasons and a Big 12 Championship Game appearance. The offense returns QB Bear Bachmeier (65% completion, 3,033 yards, 15 TD as a freshman) and RB LJ Martin (1,305 yards, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year), giving the Cougars a potent, experienced backfield that should dominate an overmatched Utah Tech defense.

The defense lost coordinator Jay Hill to Michigan and now features Kelly Poppinga, formerly the special teams coach. While the unit returns key pieces like DT Keanu Tanuvasa, LB Cade Uluave, and S Faletau Satuala, the new scheme and coaching staff may take time to gel. Utah Tech's offense could test BYU's early cohesion, especially in the secondary where there are question marks.

BYU must replace its kicker, punter, and long snapper from last season. Senior kicker Matthias Dunn and freshman punter Fuller Shurtz are unproven at the college level. In a game where BYU is heavily favored, any special teams miscues could keep the score closer than expected or affect field position.

The game is at home in Provo, where BYU enjoys a strong home-field advantage (HFA 2.7). However, the forecast calls for patchy rain and a chilly 42°F, which could impact passing efficiency and ball security. The Cougars' run-heavy attack with Martin may be less affected, but the weather could slow down the offense's rhythm.

Given the talent disparity and BYU's high-powered offense, the Cougars are expected to win comfortably. However, the combination of a new defensive coordinator, special teams uncertainty, and cold rain could lead to a sluggish first half. If BYU executes early, they should cover any spread; if not, Utah Tech could hang around longer than anticipated.