Mandel on BYU:
I hadnât considered the BYU possibility until the Cougars went out and throttled a Navy team that won 11 games last season. Weâd heard rumblings that BYU had the makings of a potentially powerful offense this season, led by its veteran offensive line, and RB Tyler Allgeier and the Cougars did not disappoint. If that performance was really indicative of the kind of team they have, itâs a shame we wonât get to see BYU play its original schedule that included Utah, Michigan State, Arizona State, Minnesota, Missouri, Boise State and Stanford.
As it is, the Cougars only have seven more games, against the not-exactly Murdererâs Row of Army, Troy, UTSA, Houston, Texas State, Western Kentucky and North Alabama. Obviously, that schedule is not going to merit Playoff consideration. Iâm not sure BYU would even finish high enough to reach a New Yearâs Six bowl. (It is not eligible for the Group of 5âs berth.) But given how remarkable it is that athletic director Tom Holmoe was able to conjure up any schedule after losing 10 of the schoolâs original opponents, BYU should absolutely print some banners and throw itself a parade if it finishes undefeated.
https://theathletic.com/2053380/2020/09/09/mandels-mailbag-which-september-games-will-produce-wild-overreactions/Maybe we should make a deal with MWC or another conference to join them for this year to represent them for the possible slot in the G5 bowl game.
