Oct 28, 2026 · 50 min
BYU’s playoff path narrows against Arizona State
BYU’s College Football Playoff Hopes, Arizona State Preview & Paki Finau | BYU Sports Nation
BYU’s postseason case may depend on winning out, beating Utah, and strengthening its résumé after the UCF loss.
- 1BYU faces mounting pressure to win out, with Utah and the Big 12 Championship central to its playoff case.
- 2The Arizona State preview focuses on BYU’s response to UCF, offensive-line depth, and the value of a statement win.
- 3Blaine Fowler weighs BYU’s playoff odds against Notre Dame’s schedule and Utah’s standing as a Big 12 power.
Don't miss
Blaine Fowler explains what BYU would need from a statement win over Arizona State to reshape its playoff conversation.
The brief
BYU’s playoff discussion centers on a simple but consequential question: can the Cougars survive the UCF loss by winning out, beating Utah, and taking the Big 12 Championship?
The Arizona State preview shifts from résumé math to execution, with Paki Finau describing the offensive line’s response to UCF, its injury-tested depth, and the challenge ahead.
Paki Finau explains the Tongan Wall nickname and Fat Man Mondays while emphasizing the process and culture BYU must maintain against Arizona State.
Blaine Fowler revisits BYU’s playoff path, weighs Notre Dame, Arizona, and Utah, and defines the kind of statement win that could change the conversation.
The broader sports roundup includes Big 12 rankings, women’s basketball’s 120–36 exhibition win, and a Halloween candy debate that turns conference teams into sweets.
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