College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 final rankings

For the first time since going 14-1 in 1996, BYU finished a college football season with a single defeat. After trouncing UCF 49-23 in the Boca Raton Bowl to finish 11-1 in 2020, the Cougars will find themselves ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 for the first time since that 1996 season. Despite a gutted schedule that wiped out six chances to play Power Five opponents, Kalani Sitake’s team is going to get the benefit of the doubt in a weird pandemic-impacted year.

Against a UCF offense that averaged 44 points and 585 yards per game in the regular season, BYU’s defense conceded only 23 points and 411 yards. Zach Wilson put on a clinic at quarterback, going 26-of-34 for 425 yards and five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Tyler Allgeier provided a massive dose of balance in the run game, finishing with 173 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

After a 12-game campaign, BYU ranks in the top five nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. They rank in the top 10 in yards per game and yards allowed per game. It was a memorable season in Provo where the Cougars dominated in all phases of the game in a way they haven’t since seeking out independence a decade ago. With Wilson off to the NFL, though, it remains to be seen whether BYU can build on this momentum in 2021 and beyond.