BYU is Better Than You Think and It’s Annoying

I’m going to defend BYU. This feels wrong. But here we are.

Every year — EVERY year — the national media dismisses BYU. They’re from Utah. They don’t drink. They have weird scheduling quirks. Nobody takes them seriously until they punch someone in the mouth, and then everyone acts surprised.

I’m tired of acting surprised. BYU is just good. They’re good every year. Kalani Sitake has built something real in Provo, and the rest of the country needs to wake up and notice.

Let me throw some stuff at you.

BYU went 11-2 this year. Eleven and two. In a conference that beat itself up all season long. Their only losses were to Tech in the championship — which, okay, that was ugly, I’ll give you that — and a close one to Iowa State in October. That’s it. Two losses. Both to teams that are legitimately excellent.

The defense was the story all year. And not just “good for BYU” good. Actually elite. They held opponents to under 20 points in nine games. NINE. In the Big 12. Where everyone scores on everyone. That’s insane.

Jake Retzlaff threw six interceptions all year. Six. In thirteen games. That’s less than one every two games. The ball security was immaculate. He wasn’t flashy — he’ll never be on a Heisman list — but he managed games like a pro. Took what the defense gave him. Didn’t force anything. Let the defense carry the team.

Which brings me to my main point: BYU understands their identity.

They’re not trying to be Texas Tech or Colorado. They’re not trying to score 50 points a game. They’re trying to win 24-17 and they’re damn good at it. Physical offensive line. Physical defensive front. Smart quarterback. No mistakes.

It’s boring to watch sometimes. I get that. Jake hates watching BYU games because nothing crazy happens. But you know what? Winning 11 games isn’t boring. Getting to the championship game isn’t boring. Being consistently competitive year after year isn’t boring.

The championship game was a bad matchup. Tech’s front seven was too good. BYU’s O-line couldn’t handle the pressure, and once Retzlaff had to start improvising, it fell apart. It happens. Doesn’t mean BYU isn’t a great team.

They’re playing LSU in the Alamo Bowl. If their defense plays like they did all year, they can win that game. I’m taking BYU +3.5 and I don’t care what anyone says.

Jake’s note: BYU games are legitimately hard to watch. I fell asleep during the Kansas State game. Twice. But yeah, fine, they’re good. Whatever.

Stop sleeping on BYU. I’m serious. Every year people do this and every year they regret it.

— Mike