The BYU Cougars have made quite a statement in their inaugural season in the Big 12, finishing with an impressive record of 10-2 overall and 7-2 in conference play after their 30-18 victory over the Houston Cougars in Week 14. This win not only marked a much-needed return to the victory column following two consecutive losses but also solidified their status as a formidable contender in college football.
Reflecting on BYU’s Journey This Season
While the Cougars weren’t ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, they managed to stay in the conversation for the College Football Playoff throughout the season. However, as they currently sit at 17th in the latest AP Poll and 19th in the College Football Playoff rankings, their chances of making it to the playoff may be dwindling. The playoff rankings will be updated on Tuesday, but for now, BYU’s aspirations for a playoff berth seem uncertain.
BYU began their season with a bang, defeating the FCS-level Southern Illinois Salukis in a commanding fashion. This was followed by a significant upset as they handed the now-No. 8-ranked SMU Mustangs their only loss of the regular season. The momentum continued with a decisive win over the Wyoming Cowboys, setting a strong tone for their non-conference schedule.
Key Victories and Challenges
As they transitioned into Big 12 play, the Cougars showcased their prowess with a stunning 38-9 victory against the then-No. 13-ranked Kansas State Wildcats. Following that, they secured a win against the Baylor Bears, further establishing their presence in the conference. After a bye week, BYU returned to the field with a dominant performance against the Arizona Wildcats, which was followed by a nail-biting 38-35 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The Cougars continued their winning streak, defeating the UCF Knights and improving their record to a remarkable 8-0. However, the season took a turn after their second bye week. They faced the Utah Utes in a closely contested matchup, winning 22-21 on a last-second field goal. Despite their strong start, they encountered setbacks with back-to-back losses against the Kansas Jayhawks and the now-No. 12-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils, which brought their record to 9-2.
Bowl Eligibility and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, BYU has already secured bowl eligibility, a significant achievement for any program. To be bowl-eligible, FBS teams must finish with at least six wins and maintain a winning percentage of .500 or better, with only one win against an FCS opponent counting toward these totals. With a 10-2 record, the Cougars have certainly met those criteria.
As the postseason approaches, projections suggest that BYU is likely to end up in the Valero Alamo Bowl, scheduled to take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on December 28. This bowl game would provide the Cougars with an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage and cap off a successful season.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Cougars?
The Cougars’ journey this season has been nothing short of thrilling. With a blend of strong performances and a few tough lessons, they have proven themselves as a competitive force in college football. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see how BYU will fare in their upcoming bowl game, especially after a season filled with high expectations and significant achievements.
As they prepare for the postseason, the Cougars will be looking to build on their successes and learn from their setbacks. The experience gained this season will be invaluable as they continue to develop their program within the Big 12. The coaching staff and players alike are likely to reflect on the lessons learned and use them to fuel their preparation for the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, the BYU Cougars have established themselves as a team to watch in college football. With a strong finish to the regular season and a promising outlook for the bowl game, their fans have plenty to be excited about. The Cougars are not just participating in the Big 12; they are making their mark and setting the stage for future success. What will the next chapter hold for this talented team? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Cougars are ready to take on whatever comes next.
