After a string of thrilling comeback victories, the BYU Cougars are enjoying an undefeated record of 8-0, marking ten consecutive wins dating back to last season’s matchup against Houston. Currently positioned at 5-0 in Big 12 play, BYU finds itself in a promising situation as they enter a bye week.
Maintaining their perfect record is crucial as they aim for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. However, the unpredictability of the Big 12 makes any assumptions about the Cougars’ chances precarious. According to ESPN, BYU faces one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league, second only to Cincinnati. In a few weeks, they will hit the road to face Cincinnati, which further complicates their path forward.
The Cougars’ upcoming game against Texas Tech promises to be challenging, as it will be their fourth consecutive matchup against increasingly formidable opponents. Texas Tech has a strong home record of 10-2 since last season, making this a particularly daunting task for BYU.
Despite the tough road ahead, BYU still holds the keys to its own destiny regarding a potential appearance in the Big 12 title game—an opportunity the team hasn’t seen since 1998 when they faced Air Force in the WAC championship. Several scenarios could unfold, determining the Cougars’ fate as they seek their first conference championship in over two decades.
The simplest route is for BYU to continue winning. A perfect 12-0 record would not only secure a championship game spot in Arlington but likely a berth in the College Football Playoff. Alternatively, should they finish with a record of 11-1 after losing to Texas Tech but defeating Cincinnati, they could still contend for a spot, particularly if they manage to secure the all-important head-to-head tiebreaker against Cincinnati.
Other scenarios explore the complexities of potential ties among teams, which could occur if BYU suffers losses in critical matchups. Specifically, losing both to Texas Tech and Cincinnati could jeopardize their title aspirations, as it would diminish their control over the narrative. Yet, even in the face of challenges, securing victories against Texas Tech could bolster their standing significantly.
As the Big 12 remains one of the most competitive leagues in college football, BYU’s journey is sure to keep fans on edge. The Cougars have the potential to ascend to new heights, and with resilient performances in the upcoming games, they could ultimately see themselves in Arlington, competing for the championship that has eluded them for so long.