College Football Playoff: Making case for undefeated non-Power 5 teams

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Oct 24, 2020; Provo, UT, USA; BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) celebrates with teammate Tyler Allgeier (25) after he scores against Texas State in the first half during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Provo, Utah. Mandatory Credit: Rick Bowmer/Pool Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK /

Making the case for BYU

Apart from McKenzie Milton, no non-Power Five undefeated team over the past five years has had a more hyped up player than Zach Wilson. There is good reason for that as his stock has gone through the roof since the beginning of the season. Wilson has led the Cougars to an 8-0 start and is fresh off a thrashing of No. 22 Boise State on the road.

The Broncos are among the most prestigious program over the last decade and suffered their worst loss in years on the blue turf on the behalf of the Cougars. Similar to Cincinnati, they win on offense and defense. What makes the two so different is that BYU is getting more attention for it, specifically from Wilson.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1324938187752370177?s=20

The problem for BYU could also be a blessing. Prior to COVID-19, BYU had one of the hardest schedules in all of college football, but had to completely scratch it and make a new one prior to the season.

Head coach Kalani Sitake has gone on record to say that he wants to play as many games as possible, to get the best resume he can for his team for the playoff. With that kind of confidence in his team, it’s clear they are putting all their chips to the middle of table.

The Cougars only have two games left on the schedule in North Alabama and San Diego State. However, in between those two games separates three weeks of straight bye. Don’t be surprised if the Cougars can pull a rabbit out of the hat and add a game in between to add to their resume.

In terms of AP Poll rankings, BYU sits well as it’s No. 8 in the country, one spot behind Cincinnati. Having a Heisman-contending player might be the difference between BYU and any other team that’s on this list. For TV ratings and popularity purposes, leaving Wilson and undefeated BYU out of the playoff might put quite a bit of fire under the committee. It would not be a surprise if they leave them out, due to the schedule.

With all of that in mind, there’s a 28 percent chance BYU makes the playoff if it wins out.

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