BYU’s Grit Pays Off: Undefeated Streak Continues as Rival Utah Rejoins Top 25 Ahead of High-Stakes Showdown
SALT LAKE CITY — They did it again! BYU football pulled off a heart-stopping double-overtime victory against Arizona in Tucson, keeping their flawless season alive and securing bowl eligibility in dramatic fashion. This wasn’t just another win—it marked program history. For the first time ever, the Cougars have started 6-0 in consecutive seasons, cementing their status as a rising force. But here’s where it gets interesting: their late-game resilience didn’t just save their record—it catapulted them up the national rankings.
Let’s break down how they pulled it off. Freshman sensation LJ Martin was unstoppable, racking up 162 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Parker Kingston electrified the air attack with 117 receiving yards on just five catches. The Cougars’ ground game? A jaw-dropping 258 total yards. Yet, despite trailing late, BYU’s clutch plays in OT sealed the deal—and the Associated Press took notice. In Sunday’s updated AP Top 25, BYU jumped three spots to No. 15, setting the stage for a blockbuster rivalry game.
But wait—there’s more. Utah, BYU’s in-state nemesis, stormed back into the rankings at No. 23 after dismantling Arizona State 42-10. Quarterback Devon Dampier stole the show, rushing for 120 yards and three touchdowns—a feat not seen from a Utah QB since 2015. And this is the part most people miss: Saturday’s clash at LaVell Edwards Stadium will now be a ranked vs. ranked showdown (6 p.m. MDT, FOX), dripping with playoff implications.
The Big 12 flexed its depth this week, with four teams in the rankings: Texas Tech (up to No. 7), BYU, Utah, and Cincinnati (No. 24). Meanwhile, Arizona State and Iowa State tumbled out after tough losses. At the top, Ohio State retained its No. 1 spot with 50 first-place votes, followed by Miami, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss.
Controversy Alert: Some argue BYU’s rise is inflated by close calls, while Utah’s re-entry feels premature after beating a depleted ASU. Are the rankings fair? Could this weekend’s rivalry game rewrite the pecking order? Drop your take in the comments—we’re debating!**
For the full AP Top 25 breakdown, click here.
