BYU football pulled off a 27-20 victory over Arizona State to advance to 7-1, but the win felt far from satisfying for Cougar fans and analysts alike. The Cougars, favored by more than 17 points, found themselves locked in a much closer battle, showcasing both their unpredictable ceiling and lingering inconsistency. The team flashed moments of brilliance, particularly with a 95-yard drive that featured a crucial deep ball from Bear Bachmeier to Legend Glasker and finished with Sione Moa’s determined touchdown run. Yet frustration remained as BYU failed to play up to their ranking, underwhelming in key aspects such as coaching decisions, offensive execution, and overall game management.

A key theme that emerged was BYU's tendency to play to the level of their competition, raising questions about whether the Cougars can pull together a dominant, complete game when it matters most. As the College Football Playoff Committee gets set to release its initial rankings, BYU supporters await to see if their record outweighs concerns over consistency. Several points were raised, including whether the flashes of greatness can transform into a full 60-minute effort as the team heads into the most important stretch of the season.

The discussion explored the upcoming high-stakes showdown against the undefeated Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a rivalry that commands passionate attention across the Beehive State. Utah, now 8-0 and leading Big 12 play, poses the toughest test yet for BYU. Can the BYU Cougars rise to the occasion and match the intensity required for rivalry week? With playoff hopes and a potential spot in the Big 12 Championship hanging in the balance, BYU’s challenges—and opportunities—reach a pivotal moment. This matchup is about more than records; it's about validating the Cougars’ aspirations and answering whether they can turn potential into proof on one of college football’s biggest stages.

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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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BYU football is taking center stage in college football news with news of an extended series against Notre Dame, one of the sport’s most storied programs. The conversation focused on the significance of this multi-year home-and-home arrangement, positioning BYU to host Notre Dame in Provo in 2028 and then travel to South Bend in 2029. This matchup pairs two global brands, promising not only excitement for Cougar fans but also major national exposure—recent BYU-Notre Dame contests have averaged over 9 million viewers and even peaked at 13.2 million, numbers that underscore the marquee status of these games.

A key theme that emerged was BYU’s strategic scheduling, ensuring the home faithful get to see at least one marquee opponent every season. The conversation explored how this three-year deal with Notre Dame fits in with the BYU Cougars' existing rivalries—particularly with Utah—and current agreements such as those with Boston College in 2028 and 2029. Several points were raised, including the possibility of shifting or buying out other games to prioritize the Notre Dame series, given the unmatched attention and prestige the Irish bring. The discussion also touched on the quick pivot that led to this extended series after USC backed out of its Notre Dame agreement, showcasing the behind-the-scenes efforts from BYU leaders like Brian Santiago and President Shane Reese in making these high-profile matchups a reality.

One concept discussed was the boost in visibility for BYU, with the Cougars potentially staking a claim as one of the “big dogs” in college football thanks to these premier contests. The arrangement appears mutually beneficial: BYU enhances its national profile while fans at LaVell Edwards Stadium are guaranteed world-class football showdowns. The episode leaves listeners wondering how these notable schedule shifts could impact not only win columns but also the entire trajectory of BYU football season after season.

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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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KALSHI: Today's hit is sponsored by Kalshi. Download Kalshi and use code HIT to get $25 when you trade $25.18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory.

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.

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The spotlight is on BYU football as the BYU Cougars look to reclaim their momentum following a surprising first loss of the season to UCF. After the Knights’ fans stormed the field and BYU’s national ranking took a hit, questions swirl about the team’s true identity—are they the squad that toppled Notre Dame, or the one that faltered against UCF? Now, BYU prepares for a crucial matchup against Arizona State, hungry to avoid a two-game skid and erase doubts about their legitimacy as a top-eight program.

The conversation focused on three major keys for BYU’s bounce-back. One concept discussed was the pressing need for a renewed focus on the basics, especially on defense. BYU’s tackling struggles came under scrutiny, with up to 21 missed tackles raising alarms that demand immediate attention. A key theme that emerged was restoring offensive balance, as the Cougars look to surpass their meager three yards per carry from the last game. Sione Moa, Preston Rex, Devon Eka, Journey Tonga, and Bear Bachmeier headline the rushers tasked with stepping up, especially in the absence of LJ Martin. The discussion explored whether BYU can impose their will against Arizona State’s struggling defense, giving their offense the boost needed heading into a rivalry clash with Utah.

Several points were raised, including the importance of BYU setting the tone early and leaving no doubt about their capabilities from kickoff to the final whistle. The prediction is a 34-17 win for BYU, but all eyes are on whether the Cougars can deliver a dominant performance and reestablish themselves as contenders. Will BYU’s fundamentals and balanced attack prove too much for Arizona State, or will lingering mistakes leave the door open for more questions about this Cougar squad?

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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: Today's hit is sponsored by Kalshi. Download Kalshi and use code HIT to get $25 when you trade $25.18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory.

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.

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