BYU Football: Loss to ASU May Have Saved the Cougars’ Season
BYU’s defeat at the hands of Arizona State may seem like a setback, but it could prove to be the turning point in their season.
Following a 9-0 start, the Cougars suffered consecutive losses, entering their final game at 9-2. Against ASU, BYU seemed lifeless early on, falling behind 21-3 by halftime as Cam Skattebo and the Sun Devils dominated.
The Cougars appeared ready to collapse, but the first-half deficit served as the jolt they needed. Though their second-half comeback fell just short, the effort injected life into a team that had been plagued by missed tackles, dropped passes, and stagnation on both sides of the ball.
Now, BYU’s hopes for a conference championship rest on a loss by either Iowa State or Arizona State in their final games. It’s a precarious position for a team that once controlled its destiny, but it still represents remarkable progress compared to last year’s 5-7 record.
The 2024 season isn’t one to mourn but to analyze. BYU’s explosive second-half performance against ASU was both a glimpse of their potential and a reminder of missed opportunities.
In the final two quarters, the Cougars outscored ASU 20-7, coming within yards of victory. A single JoJo Phillips reception, an interception, or a Hail Mary could have flipped the result.
BYU’s focus and energy surged as the game hung in the balance. Their defense contained ASU’s dominant running back, while the offense moved the ball effectively, only to fall victim to an overthrown pass in the game’s final moments.
Despite the loss, BYU fans should feel encouraged. The Cougars displayed far more fight than in their earlier home loss to Kansas. While narrowly missing key plays in that game, BYU remains just a few yards away from an undefeated record.
Heading into their final game against Houston, the Cougars have every reason to keep their heads high. With some luck in the conference standings, BYU may still pull off a season-defining turnaround.