...playing for a national championship. Against Kansas, national championship opportunities was clear. That makes the Kansas loss worse.

Against UTEP, BYU had already lost. Against Kansas, BYU had not lost. That makes the Kansas loss worse.

In 1985, BYU was ranked #7. Against Kansas, BYU was ranked #6. That makes the Kansas loss worse.

In 1985, BYU was on the road. Against Kansas, BYU was at home. That makes the Kansas loss worse.

In 1985, UTEP was winless. Kansas had three wins. That makes the UTEP loss worse.

Kansas is a worse loss, considering those factors.