We have witnessed that the cougar defense is really strong and the offense has been efficient enough. This makes for a good team, with a chance to do something special. The 6-0 record is above everyone’s expectations, but could the games have gone a different way and will the winning continue?

TURNOVERS impact on games

One of the aspects pointed out by critics as ‘fluke reasons’ for a cougar win/loss is turnovers and kick returns. Hypothetically, if you removed turnovers and the responding score from both teams, here are four games the cougars might have lost leaving this team 2-4 instead of 6-0.

SMU: There was a moment in the 3rd Q when SMU was driving and in the red zone. We traded interceptions, then SMU fumbled again. Without the subsequent fumble, SMU likely would have scored from inside the 10. With an only a SMU FG we have OT. With a SMU TD there we lose = The fumble saved the game.

KState: 21 points of turnovers at the end of the first half and start of the second was a huge turning point in the game. On paper that was not the difference in the game however it also stopped K state from scoring in addition to the BYU points on the board. The punt return was also massive. Had all 28 of those ‘fluke’ points been wiped from the scoreboard it is a much different potential outcome.

Baylor: Both teams traded interceptions, but quickly punted afterwards. There was 1st quarter Baylor interception and a quick BYU score that had a massive impact on the outcome. Take that 7 off the board and BYU loses 28-27

Arizona: There was a touchdown saving interception by Fita that was huge early. Not only did that potentially take Arizona points off the board, but we scored on that responding drive. We also scored a quick 10 points out of the half on two turnovers deep in AZ territory. Lastly the pick six to end the game. If these are wiped away BYU loses 17-19

I understand, turnovers happen because a good defense causes them and a strict offense limits them. But what if the cougars don’t win this battle? They could have lost 4 games so far. If they don’t win the turnover battle they will definitely lose games ahead because this year’s team efficiency is not massively superior to their opponents.

What do you think?🧐