It isn’t often that we get into November and an undefeated Top 10 team is an afterthought. That isn’t the case with any of the eight schools ahead of them in this week’s AP Poll, but for #9 BYU they are not only battling on the field, but also off-the-field for respect.
Coming off a 5-7 season in 2023, BYU was a preseason pick to finish 13th in the 16-team Big 12 this season. So, it is understandable as to why it would take people time to recognize the Cougars’ surprising accomplishments in 2024.
Currently 8-0 and 5-0 in the Big 12, BYU has rolled through most of their schedule. Aside from their performance in the Big 12, the Cougars also possess one of the more impressive out-of-conference wins of 2024. On September 6th, BYU traveled to Dallas and handed SMU their only loss of the season, 18-15. What was hardly a blip on the national radar when it happened, could turn out to be the biggest win of the season for BYU.
While SMU might be their most important win, their most impressive performance came during a 38-9 throttling of #13 Kansas State, which is also the Wildcats only loss of the season.
A vital piece of this success has been due to the play of quarterback Jake Retzlaff. To this point he has received more attention for being Jewish at a Mormon private university than for what he has accomplished on the field. But that should change, as with 1,872 yards and 18 touchdowns passing and 303 yards and three touchdowns rushing, he has been one of the most important players in the country.
Retzlaff runs a balanced attack, with LJ Martin leading the team in rushing (357 yards and five touchdowns), while Chase Roberts and Darius Lassiter form a dangerous duo at wide receiver (combined for 62 receptions, 1,001 yards, 8 TD).
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Equally as efficient as the offense, has been the defense. The unit is led by Jay Hill, who took over as defensive coordinator last season after being the head coach at Weber State. That relationship led to two valuable transfers for this season’s team, LB Jack Kelly and CB Marque Collins. However, most of the contributors on the team are returnees who have developed through the program.
Possessing a successful blend of offense, defense and coaching, with head coach Kalani Sitake in charge, the Cougars have positioned themselves in a place not many outside of Provo envisioned. And with the remaining regular season schedule looking manageable, especially with the Cougars avoiding Iowa State and Colorado, excitement and optimism have gradually grown.
However, up next is Utah. BYU’s biggest rival is having a disappointing season, but a trip to Salt Lake City to take on the Utes should never be considered “easy”. After that there are home games against Kansas and Houston and a road trip to Arizona State. Nobody is looking too far ahead at BYU, but it is no longer crazy to realistically see the Cougars at 12-0 after the regular season.
And that would mean a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game and a possible spot in the first 12-team playoff. Yet, when top teams are discussed nationally, the Cougars are generally disregarded.
They deserve more attention, but even if they win their final four games against teams that are a combined 14-18, will anyone take notice? Probably not. There is a legitimate possibility that the Cougars can be undefeated and earn a playoff game as a relative unknown.
While it may have to wait until the playoffs, BYU has the talent and coaching to change this narrative. This team has shown the resilience of a winner which gives them the potential to take their dreams to unexpected levels this season. And at that point, maybe people will notice.
