BYU Football has once again surprised the College Football world, going 8-0 for the first time since 2020. The Cougars have beaten good teams like SMU and Kansas State as well as handling business against teams like Arizona and UCF. BYU was projected to only win four games in the preseason but has doubled that total while avoiding any losses. The Cougars are no strangers to adversity and they will have a lot to prove against Utah on November 9th in Salt Lake City.
BYU is having success this season partly because of their aggressive defense. The defensive line has smothered opposing offenses and the secondary has forced several turnovers this season, leading to BYU points more often than not. The defense has given Jake Retzlaff and the offense in short-field situations on several occasions which has led to BYU getting easy points. Pair that up with a sack-hungry blitz consisting of Jack Kelly and Tyler Batty, and BYU has a near-perfect defensive formula.
After a rough start for Retzlaff and the BYU offense, they have found their form and are tearing up opposing defenses. Running Back LJ Martin and receivers Chase Roberts and Darrius Lassiter give Retzlaff plenty of options and make BYU’s offense hard to stop. BYU’s beloved “double pass” trick play and smart use of flea-flickers and play-action passes make this team a dangerous aerial threat. Alongside reliable kicker Will Ferrin, BYU’s offense knows how to score.
What is BYU’s postseason looking like?
BYU’s unexpected winning has placed them as one of the favorites to play for the Big 12 Championship in Dallas, Texas. Should BYU go undefeated or only lose one game, they will have one of the spots in the Big 12 Championship, most likely against the Iowa State Cyclones. Should BYU win the Conference Championship, they will have an automatic berth into the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history.
What could BYU’s College Football Playoff run look like?
These projections are made based on conference standings and the AP Top 25 as of Friday, November 1st, 2024 at 3:30 pm MDT.
If BYU makes the College Football Playoff, they would most likely play a tough opponent in the quarterfinals after a first-round bye. They would receive the #2 seed and would most likely play either Ohio State or Oregon. If BYU makes it to the Semifinals, they will probably play Georgia. Survive Georgia and you will be in the National Championship. My current projection says that Notre Dame would be BYU’s opponent. BYU has a good chance of winning a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, especially with their aggressive defense and strong, quick-scoring defense.
What are BYU’s chances of winning the Conference Championship?
BYU has a strong case to make it to the Big 12 Championship this year, leading the Big 12 for most of the season and beating up Kansas State and Arizona. Iowa State is the most likely opponent for BYU and I give the Cougars a 52 percent chance to win the Big 12 Title over the Cyclones. BYU has a well-built team that head coach Kalani Sitake has worked hard to recover after a disappointing 5-7 record last year. This team has turned itself around and looks dangerous.
What are BYU’s chances of winning the College Football Playoff?
As one of the nine remaining unbeaten teams left in College Football and with a winnable schedule following the Utah game, plus the dominance over other ranked teams, I give BYU a 42 percent chance of winning the College Football Playoff. If Retzlaff can continue to improve and Jay Hill’s defense can stay aggressive and plug a few leaks then BYU will be a force to be reckoned with. The Cougars have shown that they can beat some of the best teams and can compete in a Power Four Conference. If BYU can compete in the Big 12, there is no telling what they can do in the postseason.
In Conclusion, BYU has a strong chance to make it to the College Football Playoff this year, with a solid argument to win it. The Cougars are well-rounded and are as hungry as ever, and could win their second National Championship, just like the 1984 Champions forty years ago.
