One thing that is a constant in College Football is the accuracy of their ranking system. However, 2020 has been more confusing than ever on giving teams the proper ranking they deserve. Weeks into the College Football Season, Ohio State sat among the top ten in College Football without even playing a game. This week Wisconson didn’t play due to a canceled game. How will that affect their top ten ranking? But perhaps none has been more confusing than the BYU Cougars, and what should be made of their season.
Zach Wilson
Watching the games, the Cougars are electric. Quarterback Zach Wilson has been lights out and looks to be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. The box score has looked like video games, and quite frankly, not just the box score watching the games, and the Cougars are winning with ease. Then you take a look at their schedule and find a cornucopia of College Football’s most random teams.
So what should be made of this now 7-0 record? One thing to note is that it was an accomplishment for the Independent Brigham Young University to field a full schedule of play this season, no matter the caliber of opponents. Another thing is how impressive they are doing it. The point differential in each game is astounding. Zach Wilson is putting up incredible numbers and usually in just three-quarters of play. I was skeptical early on in the season, not getting too excited about wins over Navy or Troy, but I think the BYU Cougars might be for real.
Cougar Offense
The Cougar offense can come at you from anywhere. Zach Wilson is just as dangerous as a runner as he is passing, and the man has already passed for nearly 2000 yards this season. BYU’s running attack led by Tyler Allgeier has also been impressive. Wilson has several quality receivers to throw it to as well with Gunnar Romney, Dax Milne, and more. This team has weapons and an offense that I think could stand up against some of the top teams in the country.
BYU Defense
BYU’s defense has been lights out as well, allowing less than 14 points per game on average. The Cougars have also been able to regularly force turnovers. Up-front, the BYU Defensive line has accomplished what defenses dream of by getting pressure to the opposing quarterback only rushing 4. Again, stats that would be different against higher-caliber opponents, but a defense that would still compete.
Playoff Hopes
On Saturday, the BYU Cougars got their seventh win of the season with ease against Western Kentucky in a 41-10 victory. BYU sits ranked at #11 in the country and looks to move up again this week. The team hopes to find a way to creep into college football playoff consideration. One of the most interesting things about their college playoff hopes is the team having two remaining blocks open for an end of season push with a likely PAC-12 school to hopefully add another impressive win to their belt and increase their chances.
BYU faces one of their toughest teams yet next week as they travel to Boise to play Boise State on the blue turf that the Broncos don’t lose a lot of games on. Will the Cougars continue their strong play? This is their biggest test yet, but I really feel that this team is for real and may blow out the Broncos next Friday in Boise.
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