If you dont get the title of this post, then I am sorry. You must have not seen the ESPN headlines that were put out after the BYU vs Colorado game or didnt listen to the ESPN commentators during the game. ESPN had headlines after the BYU vs Colorado bowl game that read “Hunter, Sanders end “great” run at CU despite loss”, “Despite bowl loss, Shedeur, Hunter close successful chapter at Colorado”, “Despite the loss at the Valero Alamo Bowl, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders made a MASSIVE impact at Colorado”, and lastly “CU’s season, Hunter era end with bowl loss to BYU”.

Only one of those headlines mention losing to BYU. They also dont mention that BYU was ranked higher or that they played a better game or that they absolutely blew Colorado out of the water. The commentators for ESPN also didnt seem to be watching the same game and were constantly talking about Colorado, Hunter, and Sanders as if they were playing against themselves and BYU wasnt even there. It was ridiculous and BYU absolutely smacked Colorado so you think they would talk about BYU. ESPN and the commentators didnt seem to have anything ready for BYU.

The title is my play on the ESPN headlines and what it should have said, and it doesnt even put the focus on BYU still. I dont know if we can fully talk about how well BYU played this season and how this bowl game against Colorado solidified how great of a season this was. In case you didnt see, BYU pummeled, destroyed, and creamed Colorado, 36-14. Colorado was favored by 3. They have the #1 projected QB in the NFL draft in Shedeur Sanders and this year’s Heisman Winner in Travis Hunter. People thought BYU were going to the be the ones that would get killed, but just the opposite happened, and it was glorious.

Game Recap vs Colorado

Colorado had all of the talk going into this game, and for good reason. They have 2 NFL guys who will most likely get picked in the first 5 picks and have Deion Sanders as their coach. But it was BYU who did all of the talking and playing on the field. Statistically speaking, Retzlaff was awful this game. He only threw for 151 yards with 0 TDs and 2 INTs. One INT wasnt his fault, it bounced off of a guys hands into the defenders, but it still counts as an INT. More on him later.

Star of the Game

The star of this game was LJ Martin. If you have read these pots throughout the BYU football season, you will know that I have been a huge fan of Martin and I think he needed to be fed the ball A LOT more. This game, he got his chance. He had 17 carries for 93 yards and 2 TDs. He also caught 2 passes for 33 yards and was the teams leading receiver in yards. Lassiter only had 24 yards and Roberts only had 11 yards. So youre probably thinking how the heck did we score 36 points with only our RB playing well?

Playing a Complete Game

BYU, once again, was clicking on all 3 stages of the game. They had a 64 yard punt return TD, 3 FGs, two of which were from 51 and 54 yards, and 3 running TDs. The QB and receivers were needed this game. The defense was also on another level. They held one of the highest scoring offenses in the NATION to 14 points.

Sanders only had 208 passing yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. BYU also had 4 sacks, most in any of their games so far, one of which was a 23 yard sack. They also had 5 tackles for loss and 2 INTs. BYU killed it. They came out aggressive and ready to play. They most likely will finish the season ranked in the top 15 and maybe even the top 10.

This game against Colorado also garnered 8 million viewers. It is the most watched game in BYU football history and the highest non playoff football game viewership in 5 years, was the most watched Alamo Bowl game in their 32 year history, and was right up there with the NBA Finals in terms of views. That is all amazing. BYU got to show 8 million people that they are a pretty good football team.

BYU Football Final Rankings

We wont know the final rankings of the season till about 3 or 4 weeks once the national championship game is over, but BYU has a shot to fly up the rankings. They are currently #17 and beat the #23 team in the nation by 22. Almost all of the teams ahead of them have lost. #16 Clemson lost (albeit to the #3 team in the nation), #15 South Carolina lost to #20 Illinois, #14 Ole Miss plays tonight vs unranked Duke, #13 Miami lost to #18 Iowa St, #12 Arizona St lost to #3 Texas, #11 Alabama lost to unranked Michigan, #10 SMU lost to #4 Penn St, #9 lost, #8 lost, and #7 lost.

9 of the 10 teams ahead of BYU have lost recently. Some to good teams and some to unranked teams. #20 Illinois and #18 Iowa St could jump BYU because they beat higher ranked teams, but BYU looked really good and a almost all of the 10 teams ahead of them have lost.

Where Will BYU End the Season?

It isnt a stretch, in my opinion, to think that BYU could be ranked anywhere in the 10-12 range at the end of the season. That is where I think they will land. They looked too good and had too many teams ahead of them lose. I also think BYU will finally get the respect they deserve, even if it was a little too late. It just shows that BYU should have been in the discussion for a playoff spot.

The 4 teams ahead of BYU for a spot in the playoff were South Carolina, Ole Miss, Miami, and Alabama. Checking on those teams, Ole Miss plays tonight so we will see, South Carolina lost to #20 Illinois, Alabama lost to an unranked Michigan, and Miami lost to Iowa St who was right above BYU. Hmmm. Indiana and SMU also didnt play very well in the playoff and I am sure BYU would have been a better option.

Season Successes

All in all, it was a great season for BYU. To win 11 games, beat a ranked team in a bowl game, and finish the season ranked in the 10-15 range, that is amazing. Especially since BYU was only supposed to win 4.5 games. I am interested to see how the offense does this offseason. It will be year two under new OL coach. BYU loses two offensive linemen but have brought in Gentry from Michigan and he should step in right away.

Improvements Needed

We saw a big improvement in the run game this year. Chase Roberts is back. Jake Retzlaff is back. LJ Martin is back. Next year, this offense should take another step forward and that is dangerous considering what they did this year and the record and ranking BYU has.

Speaking of Jake Retzlaff, he had a similar decline to the season as last year. In his 4 starts last year, which he went 0-4, he had 3 TDs and 3 INTs. In the final 4 games this year, in which BYU went 2-2 with losses to Kansas and Arizona St, he had 2 TDs and 5 INTs. That is NOT a typo. I am a big believer in Jake. But for BYU to continue this momentum and win a Big 12 championship next year and have a chance to go to the playoff, he has to be better at the end of the season.

In his two seasons as the BYU starter in the months of November and December, he has 5 TDs and 8 INTs with 4 fumbles lost. Looking at his total touchdowns and total turnovers, its 11 total TDs and 12 turnovers. That is not going to work. He has to better to close the season next year for BYU to have a chance.

BYU Transfers

Speaking of BYU being better next season, they have brought in some high impact guys for next year. Keanu Tanuvasa DL from Utah is a big one. Hes rated an 86. He had a huge impact for Utah last year with 16 tackles and 1 sack with 4 pass deflections. He will continue to grow for BYU too.

Next is Andrew Gentry. He is a 6’7 327 pound OT. Hes rated as an 86. He started a couple of games for Michigan this year before getting injured. He is expected to make a full recovery and be full go for BYU next year.

Tausili Akana EDGE from Texas is another big one. Hes rated as an 85. He will be able to come in right away and start for BYU.

Another OL Kyle Sfarcioc from Southern Utah is a guy to keep watch on. Hes rated as an 86. He could push for a starting spot or at least provide some depth for the position.

Carsen Ryan is also a big one. He was the TE for Utah last year. Hes rated as an 87. He can step in and provide another asset for Retzlaff in both the blocking and receiving game.

The last one isnt a transfer, but just a new commit. Hunter Clegg has flipped his commitment from Utah to BYU. Clegg recently got back from his mission and decided to come to BYU. He had committed to Utah before his mission. Clegg is regarded as one of the highest rated EDGE players to come out of Utah. He will come in with Akana and be able to start right away or at least provide some depth.

BYU Basketball

With football season coming to an end, we can now fully concentrate our time on basketball! BYU opened up Big 12 conference play this past Tuesday against Arizona St. The Cougars were only favored by 9 and I was expecting it to be pretty close. BYU ended up winning by 20. It was a great game for them. And really a great rebounding and defensive game.

The team looked so much more connected and were helping and communicating so much better too. They held the Sun Devils to only 37% from the field and only 21% from the 3 point line. BYU also mixed up playing man and zone and were super aggressive in the zone which frustrated Arizona St at times and forced them to take bad shots.

BYU was led by Richie Saunders. Both Saunders and Demin returned to the lineup after both being out for injuries the past 2 games. Saunders had a new career high, 30 points. Kanon Catchings also showed some growth this game with 11 points. Baker and Keita also added 9 each. Demin looked a little rusty. He only had 4 points but also had 7 assists and was giving guys some great looks. He did have 5 turnovers though. Hell look to come back this weekend.

Game Preview vs #14 Houston

This Saturday, BYU goes on the road and travels to #14 Houston. They play at 12pm on ESPN+. Houston is Houston, they are a very good team. But they have had some early losses already to San Diego St, #9 Alabama, and #11 Auburn. Two of those games are not totally shocking so they are close to the top 10, but the San Diego St game was a little shocking. Since their last loss, they have won 5 straight though. They beat Oklahoma St in their first game of conference play.

Who is Houston?

Houston didnt shoot the 3 very well, but they held the Cowboys to only 26% from the field and 21% from 3. Houston always prides themselves on their defense. I am interested to see how BYU does on the offensive side of the ball with an aggressive, NBA like defense in Houston. BYU has some more weapons now in Catchings, Saunders, Hall, Baker, and Demin, so itll be interesting to see what they do.

Houston’s top guys are F J’wan Roberts, G Milos Uzan, and G LJ Cryer. BYU is familiar with Roberts and Cryer. In the game last year in Provo, Houston won by 7. Roberts had only 5 points but wasnt the focal point like he is this year. He is also a big rebounder and tough inside. The Roberts vs Keita matchup will be a big one as they are very similar players. Cryer led Houston in points in this game last year wiht 23.

In Houston’s game on Monday against Oklahoma St, Cryer had 18. He is a natural scorer and will be the main guy on Saturday. BYU has to shut these two guys down. If Keita can stop Roberts from making the hustle players and staying out of foul trouble and if BYU’s defense and zone can confuse Cryer, I think they can pull this one out but itll be tough. Houston is always tough and one of the best teams in the Big 12.

Prediction

I dont know if BYU will be able to pull this one out on Saturday. Houston is #14 in the nation and playing on their home court. ESPN Analytics only gives BYU a 13% chance to win. Demin will have to be the star in this game and BYU will have to play good defense. I just dont know yet, if either of those things are too consistent right now as BYU is trying to find their groove. But they may have found it on Tuesday with their defense, and if Demin can get going, watch out.

I expect BYU’s defense to show up again and I bet Demin has a career game as he comes back with vengeance after not playing well last game. Give me the Cougars, the blue ones, 79-74.

Next Game vs Texas Tech

BYU will then play Texas Tech, at home in Provo, on Tuesday night at 7pm on ESPN+. Texas Tech isnt ranked but they are 9-3. They did, however, lose their first conference game at home to UCF. Texas Tech shot awfully from the 3 in that game hitting only 19% of their threes. UCF was able to score at will against the Red Raiders and I would expect BYU to do the same. This Texas Tech squad is able to score and most of their games have been shootouts.

Who is Texas Tech?

The Red Raiders have 3 guys to look out for. JT Toppin is new. He is a transfer but lead the team in scoring against UCF in their last game with 26 points. He only shot 2 threes. Toppin is forward who likes to drive and is very long and has good body balance to make shots.

The other star is Darious Williams. BYU knows him. He is aggressive and a bruiser. Williams gets a lot of rebounds usually but is also a driver. He likes to drive and draw fouls.

Lastly, they have Chance McMillian. He played last year but didnt have a huge impact last year and is being counted on more this year. Hes a shooter. He can shoot the 3 and make it with ease. He is currently shooting 52% from 3 this season.

Prediction

Every game in the Big 12 is going to be close. Every game is going to feel like a tournament game. That is just how it goes in this conference. I expect Texas Tech to be able to score against BYU. They have athletes and guys who can get to the rim, something that BYU seems to struggle with still. But BYU’s offense should be able to score too with Texas Tech’s mediocre defense. If BYU can be physical and make the hustle plays, this should win this game at home. ESPN Analytics gives BYU a 58.7% chance to win this game and I agree. I think Texas Tech makes this game close at the end, but BYU prevails 82-77.