As we enter the last week of the regular season, we are tied for fourth place in the Big 12.
In a completely crazy conclusion, No. 14 BYU lost 28-23 at No. 21 Arizona State on Saturday, while No. 16 Colorado lost 37-21 at Kansas.
Devin Neal, the running back for Kansas, ripped through the Buffaloes’ defense. Colorado’s defense allowed huge play after big play, and the senior, who grew up close to the University of Kansas campus, finished with 287 total yards and four touchdowns.
Jake Retzlaff’s overthrown ball was intercepted by Javan Robinson with 1:04 remaining, ending BYU’s comeback attempt despite the team scoring 20 points in the second half. Before being tackled inside the BYU 10-yard line to end the game, the defensive back returned the ball 64 yards. Or so we believed.
— November 23, 2024, Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball)
For some reason, Arizona State attempted to run the clock out rather than try to score the touchdown and take a two-score lead. With one second remaining, Sam Leavitt’s attempt to conclude the game with a pass went into the stands. Leavitt rushed backward on second down to burn time, which allowed BYU to attempt a Hail Mary from its own 44-yard line.
Due to a replay review and the necessity to remove students who hurried onto the field believing the game was ended, the final play was postponed by more than ten minutes.
— November 24, 2024, Bill Hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn)
And after the field was clear, BYU came very close to pulling off the incredible victory. The play was officially declared incomplete, but if it had mattered, it probably would have been overturned. Chase Roberts looked to receive Retzlaff’s throw, but he was tackled short of the end zone.
Arizona State and Iowa State were at 5-2 in the conference going into Week 13, while Colorado and BYU were tied for first place in the Big 12. All four teams are now knotted at 6-2 going into the last week of the regular season as the Cyclones hung on to defeat Utah in Salt Lake City.
History is made in Kansas.
The Jayhawks’ victory set an FBS record and improved their overall record to 5-6 (3-5 Big 12). Kansas became the first school in history to defeat three consecutive ranked teams while having a losing record, thanks to victories against Iowa State and BYU during the past two weeks.
Kansas ran the ball 57 times for 331 yards, while Neal had 37 carries for 207 yards. Because the Buffs are unable to run the ball themselves, Colorado may be exposed to opponents’ run games. Colorado gained 42 yards on 13 rushes.
Kansas was able to control the ball against the Buffaloes because to their run game. Colorado ran just 42 plays to Kansas’ 58, but Kansas possessed the ball for more over 40 minutes.
In the defeat, Travis Hunter did nothing to sabotage his fantastic Heisman prospects. Hunter played defense and caught eight passes for 125 yards and two scores.
Who is most likely to advance to the Big 12 championship game?
Of all the teams, Arizona State has the best chance of qualifying for the Big 12 championship game. After defeating Arizona in Week 14, the Sun Devils advance.
The first tiebreaker would be against their shared opponents, Utah, Kansas, Kansas State, and UCF, if all four teams finish tied for first place in the league. Colorado’s losses against the Jayhawks and Wildcats have eliminated them from that tiebreaker. Iowa State and BYU would be 3-1 versus those clubs, while ASU is 4-0 against them.
It would then move on to the conference opponents’ winning percentage following that tiebreaker. Iowa State is now ahead in that tiebreaker.
