BYU handled business against Big 12 newcomer Arizona, thumping the Wildcats 41-19 and improving to 6-0 on the season and 3-0 in the Big-12.
The Cougars are now tied for first in the Big 12 standings alongside Texas Tech. The sportsbooks had BYU’s season win total set at 4.5 games, and the Cougars have blown past that.
This team was projected to finish 13th in the preseason Big 12 polls, according to the media, but expectations have completely shifted — and rightfully so.
The Cougars have solidified themselves as real contenders for the Big 12 title. Obviously, there is still a lot of work to be done, but the Cougars making the College Football Playoff is no longer far-fetched.
After the game, wide receiver Parker Kingston said, "It's cool, but it's not what we want," in reference to becoming bowl eligible. This team clearly isn’t settling for just a bowl appearance — they’re aiming for much more.
BYU’s remaining Big 12 schedule shapes up nicely, as none of the teams left on their schedule have separated themselves as elite.
- Oct. 18 (Friday Night) vs. Oklahoma State
- Oct. 26 @ UCF
- Nov. 9 @ Utah
- Nov. 16 vs. Kansas
- Nov. 23 @ Arizona State
- Nov. 30 vs. Houston
If you had said before the season that Arizona State would be their toughest game in the second half of the season, you would’ve been called crazy. But BYU fans will never underestimate playing the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Looking ahead, those are the two scariest spots for the Cougars to potentially drop a game.
Even if they lose one, maybe even two of the remaining games, they could still be playing in Arlington, Texas, for a spot in the College Football Playoff. There is a long way to go, but it’s time to start dreaming about a Big 12 title game appearance or even a College Football Playoff berth.
It’s fair to say that this Jay Hill-coached defense is among the best in the country. On the other side of the ball, quarterback Jake Retzlaff has proven the doubters wrong, ranking as one of the highest-graded quarterbacks according to PFF.
"We're ranked No. 14 in the country, but we're better than that," Retzlaff said. "We have a really good football team here."
As long as the Cougars stay healthy, there’s no reason they won’t be in the discussion to win the Big 12 title this season and potentially reach the College Football Playoff. It’s okay to start dreaming, Cougar fans.