I'm glad the CFP committee corrected on BYU and appeared to give credit for the rivalry win at Utah, while some national observers note BYU's narrow victory margin and end-of-game dramatics required.
So let's see what BYU did on Saturday.
Won arguably the biggest game on its schedule to this point--on the road and in the front of the largest crowd in stadium history, for BYU's first away victory in the series in 18 years.
Beat a Utah team whose defense ranks nationally:
1st in 3rd down conversion % allowed
4th in first downs allowed
8th in team pass efficiency allowed
11th in points allowed
14th in yards allowed
18th in passing yards allowed
Utah's defense is elite, and BYU needed to drive almost 60 yards on that defense with no timeouts in just over a minute at the end of the game to have a chance to win it.
In BYU's two 4th-quarter drives preceding the final drive: 8 plays, for -8 yards.
What BYU did in the closing seconds against that defense was as outstanding as it was imperative.
Look at the scores of Utah's Big 12 games:
22-19
10-23
19-27
7-13
14-17
21-22
None of the five teams to defeat Utah this season have gotten to 28 points. The Utes win low-scoring games, and they lose low-scoring games. BYU won the way you have to against the U of U.
There is nothing about BYU's win in SLC that can or should be downgraded.
When you're undefeated this late in the season and in the Big 12 title hunt and CFP picture, every game adds exponential pressure. BYU withstood that pressure to go to 9-0, with five of the wins on the road.
Full marks given.