ARLINGTON, Texas — When it comes to the College Football Playoff selection committee's thoughts on BYU, it seems the age-old saying, "two wrongs don't make a right," come to mind.
On Saturday, No. 11 BYU committed its second wrongdoing when it lost to No. 4 Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game.
Now at 11-2, with both losses coming at the hands of Texas Tech, BYU will need some help from other teams and the grace of the selection committee to make the playoffs for the first time in program history.
If you tuned in halfway through the forth quarter, you would be shocked to find out that at one point, BYU led the game.
BYU freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier tried to lob a pass to JoJo Phillips, but Tech's Ben Roberts made an incredible one-handed interception.
The offensive play prior, Bachmeier lost the ball on a strip sack, setting the Red Raiders up in scoring territory.
BYU had four turnovers on the night, and three turnovers in the fourth quarter. It was an amazing game from what BYU players believe to be the best defense in all of college football.
"That's the best defense I've ever gone against," BYU receiver Parker Kingston said. "That is the best defense in the country."
On the very first drive of the game, it was actually BYU that looked like the better team. The Cougars ran a methodic and efficient 14-play, 90-yard drive, capped off by a Martin 10-yard touchdown.
But after that one score, the Red Raiders were clearly the better team, especially on defense.
All game, Texas Tech got to Bachmeier, causing him to be visibly hobbled throughout the game. By the end, Bachmeier was so banged up that he could no longer scramble around the pocket.
"I was concerned, but that's not the reason we lost," Sitake said about his QB's injury. "It's part of the resaon he wasn't able to play his best."
Bachmeier, who was crowned the conference's offensive freshman of the year finished the game with only 116 yards, two interceptions — both by Roberts — and a lost fumble.
But it wasn't just Bachmeier and the skill players who came up short. BYU faced its fair share of special teams woes as well.
Kicker Will Ferrin missed his lone field goal attempt, and in the second quarter the Cougars ran a fake punt on their own side of the field. Texas Tech snuffed it out perfectly and punter Sam Vander Haar had no open receiver to throw it to.
"I thought it was going to be a good play," Sitake said. "I like being bold and aggressive and usually the fortune will go our way, but you have to give [Texas Tech] credit."
BYU will find out where it sits in the CFP picture on Sunday at 10 a.m. MST. Sitake believes that the Cougars should be considered.
"I like who we are and what we've been able to. I think we have a great resume," Sitake said. "At least put us in the graphic."