PROVO — As the BYU football team reflects on their 2024 season, a mix of emotions fills the air, with “incomplete” serving as a central theme. The Cougars wrapped up their regular season with a solid 30-18 victory against Houston this past Saturday, a game that encapsulated the entire campaign. They showcased a robust defense, had a significant special teams play, and witnessed their offense exceed expectations while occasionally stumbling.
Despite finishing the season with an impressive 10-2 overall record and a commendable 7-2 in the Big 12, the Cougars will not be participating in the upcoming Big 12 Championship game, which pits Arizona State against Iowa State. Interestingly, Iowa State recently accomplished a significant feat by winning their 10th game, marking a historic moment for the program.
This season marks BYU’s 19th ten-win campaign in the last century and the third in five years, warranting a celebration of their achievements without getting entangled in thoughts of missed opportunities. Coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged the ups and downs, noting, “There are teams who haven’t gotten as many wins that everybody thought they would get them, and people who thought we wouldn’t get this many. The problem is we thought we’d get two more.”
Sitake praised his defensive coordinator, Jay Hill, for developing the top-25 defense that led the nation with 20 interceptions, which complemented an offense that averaged 30.8 points per game. Notably, quarterback Jake Retzlaff contributed with his dual-threat capabilities, finding ways to keep the opposition on their toes.
The Cougars demonstrated reliance on their ground game during the Houston match, particularly through key contributions from players like LJ Martin and Sione I. Moa, who were instrumental in turning the game’s momentum. As a result of their efforts, BYU never trailed again, allowing them to honor their senior class in style.
Looking back, linebacker Jack Kelly expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, particularly in a power conference climate. The recognition of hard work on the field reflects a dedicated team dynamic and effective coaching, illustrating that consistency and culture have played vital roles in their success.
The future shines brightly for BYU as they prepare for their next bowl game after rebounding from a subpar 5-7 season last year. Their potential destinations include the Alamo Bowl or the Pop-Tarts Bowl — an exciting prospect given it could lead to their best bowl appearance since the Cotton Bowl in 1996.
Sitake remains focused on the bigger picture, candidly admitting that despite achieving ten wins, he reflects on the “what-ifs.” Still, he emphasizes the importance of appreciating the journey, the cultural changes, and the progress demonstrated throughout the season. As they look ahead, there is a renewed sense of hope and commitment in a program eager to continue improving and building upon this solid foundation in the Big 12 Conference.
Overall, this season’s performance serves as a promising backdrop for the next chapter in BYU football, as they continue to strive for excellence and make a lasting impact in their new conference.