after the loss (BYU dropped big in the rankings – for losing to a team that had only 3 wins... at home). It is easier for established 'blue blood' brands like Georgia, tOSU and Miami to climb up if they win.

BYU had the chance for a first round bye. No B12 team will get a first round bye — if BSU wins out (and the schedules says they will). A loss to ASU also drops BYU behind BSU. That said, BYU still controls their destiny.

Wrong. BYU only needs other teams to lose to get a first round bye. They control their destiny.

Yep, like ALL teams in the top 15, the goal is to win out.

Um, this is a dumb question. BYU did not lose on purpose. They choked away a W.