BYU enters its final three games with a critical mission: elevate performance to secure a 10-2 record and ignite a College Football Playoff conversation. While the loss to No. 2 Utah dealt a significant blow to the Cougars’ momentum, experts like ESPN’s Ben Criddle argue the team is not entirely out of the postseason picture. However, the path forward demands immediate correction of a glaring defensive and offensive trend that has plagued the program throughout the season.
Breaking the pattern: Why a reliable rushing attack is the key to a CFP run.
The core issue lies in a persistent pattern of costly mistakes leading into halftime and subsequent third-quarter collapses, a trend evident in games against Notre Dame, UCF, Arizona State, and Utah. Analyst Jay Drew identifies the root cause as the absence of a consistent rushing attack since LJ Martin suffered a high-ankle sprain against TCU. Without a reliable ground game, quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been forced into uncomfortable, high-risk situations, leading to the offensive stagnation that defines BYU’s mid-game struggles.
To rectify this, the Cougars must simplify their offensive approach and reduce the burden on Bachmeier, allowing the defense to breathe and the offense to sustain drives. Success in the next three contests hinges on breaking this four-game cycle of third-quarter fatigue and error. If BYU can stabilize its rushing attack and maintain composure through the middle of the game, they will not only secure a strong finish but also position themselves as a legitimate candidate for a CFP berth.
Source: Yahoo Sports
