The BYU football team concluded its 2024 regular season with a 30-18 victory over Houston, demonstrating a combination of strong defensive play, special teams success, and an offense that exceeded expectations, even if inconsistencies were apparent. The Cougars ended the season with an impressive 10-2 record, finishing 7-2 in the Big 12. However, they will not participate in the upcoming Big 12 championship game, which will feature Arizona State and Iowa State.
Despite this setback, BYU’s 19th occurrence of achieving 10 wins in a century, including three such seasons in the last five years, is a cause for celebration. Coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged that while the team aimed for even more wins, their overall performance is worthy of recognition. He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and honing their focus to continue improving.
The defensive prowess of the Cougars, led by defensive coordinator Jay Hill, was pivotal, as the team ranked in the top 25 nationally, boasting the country’s highest interception count with 20. Offensively, quarterback Jake Retzlaff made significant contributions, complementing a strong running game led by players like LJ Martin and Sione I. Moa. Special teams also played a crucial role, highlighted by Talan Alfrey’s remarkable 58-yard touchdown return following an onside kick attempt.
With this victory, the 2024 senior class leaves a marked legacy, contributing to BYU’s success in a power conference, a feat acknowledged by linebacker Jack Kelly. As the program looks ahead, BYU is positioned for a bowl game, likely either the Alamo Bowl or the Pop-Tarts Bowl, marking a significant turnaround following a challenging prior season.
Moving forward, Sitake recognizes the need for continuous improvement but remains optimistic, stating that this season is just the beginning for their journey in the Big 12. His focus on the team’s culture and a commitment to bettering their game suggests a bright future for the program.
In summary, while the Cougars may have fallen short of their championship aspirations, their remarkable season serves as a foundation for growth and resilience. With a solid foundation and lessons learned, BYU fans can look forward to positive developments in the upcoming years.