We lost to a Kansas team that’s better than their record suggests—a team whose misfortune has overshadowed their true quality. The game slipped away due to a mix of silly, easily correctable mental mistakes and one of the flukiest plays I’ve ever seen in college football.
"But what about Utah", you say. "We didn’t look great there either". True, but that game is different than a normal game for several reasons. Utah had an extra week to prepare, a quarterback we had almost no film on, a coach whose sole reason for living is to beat BYU, and the backing of one of the most hostile environments in college football. They were even handed a touchdown drive thanks to a dubious facemask call. Yet, despite all that, we came away with the win.
This loss to Kansas might actually be what BYU needs to refocus on the bigger picture. After the emotional high of beating Utah, it’s possible the team felt a bit too satisfied, as though they’d already accomplished their mission. Now, with the pressure of an undefeated season off the table and their vulnerability exposed, I’m optimistic this will motivate them to finish strong—just like Ohio State in 2014 after losing to a mediocre Virginia Tech team at home.
Are there concerns? Absolutely. But this team has shown resilience time and again. These players and coaches believe in themselves, and that belief can carry them far. If they stay focused, stick to the game plan, and avoid avoidable mistakes, good things are bound to happen.
We aren't indy anymore. Losing one game doesn't end the season. If we win 3 games, we'll be 12-1 and I'd be willing to bet my life on us having a BYE in the first round. There is still so much to play for and this team has given us many reasons to hope.