BYU Football: 6 games that can pave path for Cougars to playoff

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The Cyclones have greatly improved after their season-opening 31-14 loss to the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY NETWORK /

6. Iowa State beats Oklahoma in Big 12 title game

The Cyclones are ranked No. 9 by the CFP Committee, having moved up four spots following a 23-20 defeat of Texas. They’ve lost a close game, 24-21, to No. 15 Oklahoma State after losing their home opener to Louisiana, 31-14.

The CFP Committee has shown before that a team can move down in the rankings even after a win the previous weekend. Despite owning a couple ranked victories (OU and Texas), the Cyclones would still finish the season with two more losses than BYU.

If this hasn’t been emphasized enough, that first Iowa State loss was to a Sun Belt team.

5. Miami loses to UNC in Week 15

For BYU fans, it’s as simple as this: the Cougars are ranked behind the Hurricanes, who currently stand at No. 10 after a 42-17 loss to No. 3 Clemson.

Miami has won its previous three games against Virginia, NC State, and Virginia Tech by a combined nine points. Is the team showing signs of faltering? It likely won’t matter against ACC bottom feeders Duke and Georgia Tech, so this game against the Tar Heels is the best chance for an upset loss.

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