The College Football Playoff committee effectively erased two of BYU’s most significant blemishes this week by placing the Cougars at No. 10 in the latest rankings. This strategic move signals that the panel is forgiving the 39-31 double-overtime loss at UCF and the 28-20 defeat at Utah, viewing them as minor setbacks rather than disqualifying errors. By retaining a top-10 seed, BYU has secured a viable route to the postseason without needing to win the Big 12 title, a scenario that previously seemed unlikely given their road struggles.
Committee overlooks UCF and Utah stumbles, rewarding Notre Dame win with playoff path
The ranking is a direct reward for the Cougars’ 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame last month, which proved their ability to compete with elite power-conference opponents. While the losses in Orlando and Salt Lake City highlighted inconsistencies, the committee’s decision suggests that the quality of the Notre Dame win outweighs the quantity of the defeats. This “debt-free” status means BYU is no longer penalized for their two losses, allowing them to focus purely on their remaining schedule rather than trying to erase past mistakes.
To solidify their playoff bid, BYU must win their final three regular-season games against Baylor, at Kansas, and Cincinnati. These matchups offer a realistic opportunity to build momentum and prove that the Cougars belong in the top 10. If they can navigate this stretch without further upsets, they will enter the selection Sunday with a strong case for inclusion, leveraging their high-profile win over Notre Dame as the centerpiece of their resume.
Source: Yahoo Sports
