BYU has made a significant leap in the College Football Playoff rankings, now sitting at No. 6 and holding the No. 3 seed, a position that reflects their status as the third-highest ranked projected conference champion. Just last week, the Cougars were ranked No. 9 overall, which placed them as the No. 4 seed. This upward movement is certainly noteworthy, but not without its controversies.
McElroy stumps for BYU
ESPN analyst Greg McElroy has been vocal about his support for BYU, arguing that the Cougars deserve more respect. Following their victory over rival Utah, which kept their undefeated streak alive, McElroy expressed his frustration over BYU’s previous ranking. He believes that the committee’s decision to elevate BYU was a necessary correction, one that could have easily gone the other way had the Cougars not secured the win.
“Look, BYU was a holding foul away from losing that game and they came back and won,” McElroy said. “Now the committee does what they should’ve done a week ago, moving them up into the six spot, where they belong.” His passion for the Cougars is palpable, and he feels that their unbeaten record should place them ahead of several teams that have already faced defeats.
Davis responds to McElroy
Host Rece Davis chimed in during the discussion, suggesting that BYU’s rise in the rankings is not merely a correction but a response to the losses of teams ranked above them. “I don’t know that it’s a correction, so much as it is a response to two teams ahead of them losing,” Davis noted. “You had Miami and Georgia both losing, so they do get an extra spot out of it.”
While Davis acknowledges the impact of other teams’ losses, McElroy remains steadfast in his belief that BYU’s undefeated status should be the primary factor in their ranking. He pointed out that sitting at No. 9, BYU was at risk of being overtaken by No. 12 Boise State for a bye, which only adds to the frustration.
The frustration of BYU fans
McElroy’s frustration is shared by many BYU fans who feel that their team is not receiving the recognition it deserves. “I’m a little frustrated. If I’m BYU, I’m really upset,” he said. He highlighted the risks involved with being ranked so closely to teams like Boise State, especially when the Cougars have a better resume.
“The fact that there’s only a margin of three spots between 12 with Boise State and BYU at nine is ridiculous. Also, I’m sitting there behind Texas,” he added. This sentiment resonates with fans who believe that an undefeated record should carry more weight in the rankings.
The case for BYU
McElroy continued to make his case for BYU, emphasizing not just their unbeaten record but also the quality of their victories. “I’m talking about from BYU’s perspective,” he stated. “I’m sitting there behind Texas, Penn State, and Tennessee. Texas and Penn State don’t have a win against a Top 25 team. I have two.”
This argument is compelling. BYU’s ability to secure wins against ranked opponents sets them apart from other teams in the playoff conversation. McElroy’s point is clear: if BYU finishes the season undefeated, their current ranking will matter little. The Cougars are in control of their destiny.
The road ahead for BYU
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for BYU to maintain their perfect record. They face a crucial matchup against Utah this week, a game that could further solidify their standing in the playoff picture. The stakes are high, and the Cougars know that every game counts.
While McElroy and Davis may have differing views on the ranking process, one thing is certain: BYU’s journey this season is one to watch. With their undefeated record and a passionate fan base behind them, the Cougars have the potential to make a significant impact in the College Football Playoff landscape.
As the playoff picture continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the selection committee will respond to the challenges ahead. For now, BYU stands at a crossroads, and their upcoming games will be pivotal in determining their fate. Will they rise to the occasion and prove their worth? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans are in for an exciting ride.
