Bowl Projections for BYU Football Heading Into Conference Championsh….read more

As the BYU Cougars approach their first season in the Big 12 Conference, the team is eyeing their position heading into the Conference Championship and the possibility of a bowl game. Their performance throughout the season and the results of the conference championship game could heavily influence their postseason destination.

Season Overview

BYU entered the 2024 season with high expectations as they transitioned from independent status to becoming a full member of the Big 12 Conference. This move to a Power Five conference presented both challenges and opportunities. The Cougars faced a tougher schedule than they had in their independent years, with matchups against established programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas State, and Baylor.

Despite the increased competition, BYU showed resilience under head coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars were competitive in most of their conference games and had key victories over teams in the middle and lower tier of the Big 12 standings. This performance has kept BYU in contention for a solid bowl game, though their status may be heavily impacted by their upcoming performance in the Big 12 Championship.

Current Bowl Projections

Heading into the Big 12 Championship, BYU’s bowl eligibility has been largely secured, assuming they finish with a winning record. Bowl projections are fluid but typically take into account overall record, conference standing, and recent performance. Here are a few potential postseason destinations for the Cougars, assuming they do not claim the conference title:

1. Cheez-It Bowl (Orlando, Florida)
   This bowl has become a popular destination for teams from the Big 12 that finish just outside the New Year’s Six bowl games. If BYU finishes the regular season strong and is competitive in the Big 12 Championship, they could find themselves in this mid-tier bowl game. Teams that perform well in the conference but fall short of a playoff bid often land here, and it offers a high-profile setting for the Cougars to face a competitive opponent from another Power Five conference.
2. Texas Bowl (Houston, Texas)
   If BYU’s season concludes on a slightly less positive note, the Texas Bowl could be another likely destination. This bowl typically features a Big 12 team against a team from the SEC or another high-profile opponent. Since Houston is geographically close to BYU and the bowl is in the Cougars’ backyard, the fanbase could have a strong presence in this game.
3. Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee)
   Another realistic option for BYU would be the Liberty Bowl, typically featuring teams that finish in the middle of the Big 12 standings. The bowl offers an opportunity for BYU to face an SEC opponent, which would be a good test of their mettle before heading into the offseason.
4. Holiday Bowl (San Diego, California)
   In a best-case scenario, if BYU can manage a strong finish and find themselves ranked highly enough, they could make a bid for the Holiday Bowl. This prestigious bowl often features top teams from the Pac-12 and Big 12 conferences, and it offers a high-profile exposure opportunity in a beautiful location. While this might be a long shot for the Cougars, it remains a possibility depending on their performance and rankings.

Factors That Will Determine Bowl Destination

Several factors will influence BYU’s bowl destination. The team’s overall record and finish in the Big 12 standings will be key, as will the outcome of their Big 12 Championship game. If BYU wins the Big 12 title, they could earn an automatic bid to a New Year’s Six bowl game, possibly even the Sugar Bowl, depending on how the playoff rankings shake out.

Beyond that, other factors like the strength of their schedule, wins against ranked teams, and their performance in the season’s final weeks will all play a part. Additionally, BYU’s fanbase, travel support, and media appeal could influence bowl organizers when making their selections.

Conclusion

Heading into the Big 12 Championship, BYU’s postseason fate is still very much in the air. However, regardless of the outcome in the championship game, the Cougars have positioned themselves well for a solid bowl game appearance. A strong finish could see them in one of the higher-tier bowls, while a more modest end to the season might land them in a more middle-tier postseason game. In any case, this marks an exciting time for BYU as they make their mark in the Big 12 and take part in their first official conference championship game.