---This BYU team has been much more consistent and focused than many BYU teams in past years.

---BYU appears to be very well coached this year. All 3 phases of BYU seem to be humming: Defense, Special Teams, and Offense.

---This team has improved over the course of the season. That has not always been the case for BYU teams, but this year it is.

---Although BYU has had its share of injuries, they seem healthier than in many of the recent years.

---BYU has had 2 weeks to prepare. Admittedly, BYU has not always played their best in games following a bye week, but this year they've already shown that they can. They pummeled Arizona following their previous bye week. An additional benefit of the bye week at this time of year is it allows the coaches time to help the players get their heads on straight and ignore all the publicity that comes with an 8-0 record and a lot of national publicity.

---The fact that BYU still seems to be disrespected by many in the national media and in the CFP official rankings will help to keep the chip on BYU's collective shoulders.