BYU football has lost only one game, but it already feels like they're standing on their last leg, doesn't it? Don't get me wrong: I fully believe this is a team capable of reaching the College Football Playoff, and indeed should be in if their only loss (or losses) of the year arrives at the hands of the merciless Texas Tech Red Raiders.
But I'm looking too far ahead already, because with the TCU Horned Frogs and the Cincinnati Bearcats on the immediate horizon, the BYU Cougars are facing a brutal two-game stretch that will define their season by the time the 12th regular-season game is in the books.
Related: Did BYU football lose their shot at the College Football Playoff with a loss to Texas Tech?
First up is a 6-3 TCU side with one of the best run defenses in the country, ranked third overall by Pro Football Focus. The Horned Frogs were 10 minutes away from a double-digit victory against Iowa State last weekend that would have made this an 8-1 vs 7-2 matchup. Instead, they slipped up and allowed two late Cyclones scores to fall for the third time on the year and dim the luster of this meeting.
TCU has owned the recent history between these two programs, standing 5-0 since 2008 in a stretch that has spanned conferences, coaches, and nearly 20 years (yeesh). BYU has a chance to flip the narrative surrounding these two teams on Saturday, but this year's Horned Frogs are far better than the national sentiment would lead you to believe.
Related: BYU football faces a must-win against TCU team they just can't beat
In BYU's favor: they're the better team on paper, with a stronger resume, and the benefit of a night environment at home in LaVell Edwards Stadium. TCU will have the tall task of slowing a dominant BYU run game, and a strong passing game behind the arm of Bear Bachmeier, the grittiest and most talented freshman gunslinger in the nation (I will fight you about this).
This game will come down to environment, execution, and most importantly, heart. Is BYU determined to overcome last season's shadow, or is history destined to repeat itself?
How to watch BYU vs TCU
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 8:15 PM MT
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Channel: ESPN
Odds: BYU -4.5