Why is the AP Poll’s No. 2 Team 40-1 to Win the National Championship?
The BYU Cougars have a highly compelling case for winning the National Championship, anchored by elite metrics, veteran composure, and proof of concept on the biggest stage.
Undefeated, they are the No. 2 team in the AP Poll following their impressive victory over Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish meanwhile remain the +450 odds favorite to win the National Championship. BYU, on the other hand, sit at 40-1 with the likes of Texas Tech, Tennessee, Oregon, and Utah. Hmm.
Against the Fighting Irish, the Cougars took control early and held the lead for most of the game before fending off a late Fighting Irish comeback. After Notre Dame took its first lead of the game (24-21) with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier engineered a clutch response. In all, he accounted for four total touchdowns in unique fashion: throwing one, rushing for two, and even catching a 15-yard touchdown pass. Alongside a stout defensive performance highlighted by a goal-line stand with seconds on the clock, BYU displayed an impressive level of physicality in the trenches, and BYU's ground game wore down the Irish. Running back Preston Rex led the grinding rushing attack with 66 yards on 10 carries. By the end, there was no question which was the tougher, grittier team on the field Saturday. Following the win Joel Klatt of FOX Sports slotted BYU at No. 1 nationally.
BYU is on track to secure a top-4 seed and an automatic first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Running through the rest of the conference schedule gives them a massive momentum cushion ahead of January, and they’ll be favored in every game remaining on their schedule.
If BYU does indeed earn themselves a first-round bye, they will pose a serious threat to win it all. 11th-year head coach Kalane Sitake has built a true contender, characterized by high-efficiency execution, a physical running game, and a disciplined defense. This is a complete team. When the defense stalls, quarterback Bear Bachmeier can air it out or punish defenses with his legs. When opposing pass rushes bring pressure, the offensive trenches give star running back LJ Martin the room to grind out hard yardage. Kelly Poppinga’s secondary bends but doesn’t break, forcing timely turnovers with their aggressive safety play.
The BYU Cougars have all the right ingredients to make a real run at a National Championship this year. At 40-1, they offer bettors a level of value rarely seen in the College Football futures market.
