BYU Football has a very clear path to play in a New Year Six Bowl Game.
The last two weeks I’ve extensively researched and looked for different routes that BYU Football could possibly, just maybe make a New Year Six Bowl Game. While my intent of course was to shine light on a unlikely possibility, it wasn’t until this last Saturday, and then confirmed in the newest College Football Playoff rankings that it has become a very real reality.
No. 13 BYU Football has probably a 50% of making it into a New Year Six game if they beat USC on Saturday.
As it currently stands, the Cougars are the second team out of the NY6 behind Notre Dame, Baylor, Oklahoma and Michigan State. With only one real week remaining in the schedule, being the second team out seems pretty far, especially considering only three teams will make it in as “at-large” teams should Cincinnati quality for the CFP.
But wait, it actually is very promising, and it starts with Oklahoma.
If the Sooners drop their game on Saturday to rival Oklahoma State, as they are projected to do, the Cougars would become the first team out. From that point, the Cougars would only need one of the following scenarios to play out to make a NY6.
- Michigan State loses to Penn State, or they win in a close game and BYU blows out USC to the point where the committee leapfrogs BYU over the Spartans.
- Ole Miss loses against Miss State AND Alabama loses to Georgia and falls out of the Playoff. This one sounds like a lot, but it is actually a very possible scenario.
- Notre Dame loses to Stanford.
- Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma and Baylor. The Cougars move up a few spots this week to a position where a three loss Baylor falls below the Cougars.
There are some other crazy scenarios that could play out, but those four are the most likely. Again, if any one of those happens along with Oklahoma losing to Oklahoma State and BYU is in unless Wisconsin shocks the world and wins the Big 10 Championship or if Cincinnati loses the AAC Championship game.
So that’s it. Things are starting to feel very real for BYU fans. So buckle up, grab a root beer and enjoy a full long weekend of football.