EXPOSED: College Football Powers That Be SABOTAGING Kalani Sitake & BYU Football’s ROAD to Playoff? | TCU's Paltry Run Game Should Get BYU's Focus | Big 12 Three Up & Three Down

BYU football has lept into the national spotlight as College Football Playoff contenders, but do playoff committee politics and SEC bias threaten to undo their hard work? Bear Bachmeier’s efficient quarterback play, ranking in the country’s top 25 in QBR, has helped launch BYU to a 3-0 record and a top-10 national ranking. However, the conversation explored how ESPN’s playoff projections set an incredibly high bar for Kalani SItake and the BYU Cougars, demanding a nearly perfect record amid skepticism about Big 12 strength and limited opportunities for ranked wins outside of major showdowns with Notre Dame and Utah.

One concept discussed was the persistent challenge posed by the College Football Playoff Committee’s alignment with media partners and the perception gap favoring SEC and Big Ten programs. Referencing recent AP poll discrepancies and controversial SEC rankings—such as Missouri’s frequent top-25 presence despite a lackluster resume—the discussion raised critical questions: If BYU drops a game to anyone besides Utah or Notre Dame, will its playoff dreams collapse, even with a two-loss runner-up finish? Unlike their SEC and Big Ten rivals, BYU may not get the benefit of the doubt, making each game a must-win for Kalani Sitake and his squad.

A key theme that emerged was BYU’s upcoming matchup with TCU and how current trends favor the Cougars. TCU’s inability to establish a run game, highlighted by a mere 33 rushing yards in their loss to UCF, sets the stage for BYU’s top-ranked ball-hawking defense, coordinated by Kelly Poppinga, to exploit Jaden Craig’s mistakes through the air. The discussion explored BYU’s path to capitalizing on TCU’s weaknesses, historical struggles in Fort Worth, and the chance to make a statement win that could influence the playoff narrative.

Several points were raised, including the Big 12’s unpredictable season—Cincinnati’s perfect start, Texas Tech’s alarming turnover issues, and Colorado’s dramatic mid-season setbacks under Coach Prime. The analysis extended to Utah and Arizona’s resilience, with both squads making their own cases for Big 12 contender status. As the playoff race heats up, listeners are left to ponder whether Keanu Tanuvasa and Bear Bachmeier can keep BYU’s undefeated run alive and break through the national perception barriers. Can the Cougars control their destiny, or will external factors steer the postseason conversation? Get the latest insights, power rankings, and critical matchups shaping BYU’s quest for college football glory.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI: For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. 

Butcher Box: If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.

Aura Cybersecurity: Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware. Protect yourself now. 

Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepod

5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. 

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with College Football Pick’Em from FanDuel.  Download the Fa