the season, and probably even now in Week 9, had BYU been able to beat Oklahoma and/or hold on to its big lead over Oklahoma State late last year.

BYU played well in both games and came close to winning one or both — with a little luck, or a more experienced QB, I think they probably would have. Had they done so, they would have been 7-5 and played in a bowl game. With a win in the bowl, they could have finished 8-5, riding momentum and a 3-game winning streak. The perception of the team would have been much different in preseason this year, and probably more in line with the team’s actual talent and potential.

Even if they had won just one of those close games, and made it to a bowl, perception might have been very different. Instead, the narrative was a 5-game losing streak to finish the season, and a team that couldn’t win in the Big 12. We’re still living with the effect.