SUPREMACY: Big 12 Runs Through Utah & BYU Football STANDS APART With Utah & Others Playing Catch-Up | Will Kalani Sitake & Co. Make College Football Playoff Run?

Who truly runs the Big 12: the Utah Utes or BYU Cougars? The longstanding Holy War rivalry now carries national implications, as both programs look like legitimate Big 12 Conference frontrunners and serious contenders for the College Football Playoff. Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill break down the state of the race, debating which team deserves to be called the Big 12’s best after four weeks and who boasts the more impressive résumé. Utah’s smothering defense, led by Devin Dampier, has made a statement by limiting opponents to just over 10 points per game, but BYU football counters with a signature victory over Arizona, featuring the stellar play of quarterback Bear Bachmeier and dynamic weapon Legend Glasker.

The hosts go in-depth on the critical factors behind each program’s early dominance. They weigh the impact of coaching philosophies, highlighting how Kalani Sitake and the post-Jay Hill BYU defense are mixing new blitz packages under Kelly Poppinga, while the Utes continue to thrive on toughness in the trenches. On offense, the evolution of both backfields sparks spirited discussion: Can Wayshawn Parker’s breakout season challenge LJ Martin’s awards and preseason hype? Which offensive line is truly the conference’s best, and how does high school football talent within Utah fuel both teams’ sustained success?

From analyzing Utah's third-quarter lulls to questioning Oklahoma State and Texas Tech’s staying power, JT Wistrcill and Jake Hatch map out plausible paths to the CFP for both Utah and Brigham Young University. Could both teams get in if they finish with just one loss each? The implications are massive, with the duo examining playoff committee perceptions—especially on the impact of non-conference tests like BYU’s showdown with Notre Dame and potential roadblocks like Houston or Cincinnati.

Listeners get tactical insights into the differences at quarterback—Bear Bachmeier’s downfield efficiency versus Devin Dampier’s game management—as well as wide receiver emergence that could rewrite the BYU record books. The show also highlights pivotal moments, such as controversial calls in recent Big 12 games and how officiating might affect the title hunt.

Don’t miss this comprehensive analysis of Utah’s and BYU’s rise, featuring in-state recruiting wins, evolving offensive strategies, and potential playoff scenarios. Will the Holy War determine who represents the Big 12 on college football’s biggest stage, or is there another contender poised to shake up the race?

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

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