Has the Importance of November 22nd Changed for BYU?

After thinking about the Cougars' and Utes' situations I am left wondering if the build-up and anticipation of Saturday’s game is diminished because of BYU loss? The Utes lived up to their end of the bargain and enter the game with an unblemished record. BYU suffered a demoralizing loss to TCU, but has since rebounded and is once again playing good football.

So does this game carry the same weight and implication as the previously anticipated, undefeated BYU vs Utah game?

I believe this game has identical implication as an undefeated Holy War matchup. BYU’s loss to TCU—while frustrating—possible put BYU in an overall better situation coming into the Utah game. Of course the negatives are obvious, we no longer can be a definite BCS buster team, we can’t win an out-right MWC Championship, and we can only fulfill the spiritual side of the Quest for Perfection—BOOO…..JK. I hope I don’t get struck for that one.

 The good that came out of that TCU loss are also numerous, 1.) Our team was brought back to reality and redirected their energy towards getting better each week.

2.) Our coaching staff realized that they needed to find new ways to get their play makers the ball.

3.) BYU was rid of the pressure that accompanied the title of BCS prince. That pressure—while sought after and wanted—has shifted north and sits squarely on the Ute’s shoulders.

4.) BYU is still in a position to fulfill all their goals as a MWC Champion and if their living right beat the Utes -wink wink.

 This game still has all the same implication as the zero loss BYU team against a zero loss Utah team. The pressure and media attention has simply driven 40 minutes north. Do I care that we have lost our BCS darling billing…kind of, but each week has become increasingly more meaningful since the loss to TCU.

BYU has kept their hopes of a third championship in tact and while it would have been great to go somewhere other then Las Vegas, should it really matter?

I am asking, because I want someone else to tell me if it should….

I think BYU fans are feeling somewhat disappointed in this season because of our team long history as a top program, yet Utah and Boise St. have been the only BCS busting teams. Should BYU base their programs success on an appearance in a BCS game? Should our main goal every year be busting into a system that is designed and run to keep us out? Is a 10-1 season disappointing?

Does Utah’s current success say they’re a better program or team?

My two MWC Championship rings say differently. It would have been amazing to enter into this game undefeated and that TCU game is hard to swallow because of how bad BYU played—and how good TCU played.

Regardless I am proud to have been a part of BYU's climb back to national prominence. I am proud to wear my blue shirt and shun the color red—to this day I don’t own a single red article of clothing. I am encouraged at how BYU is playing and I am hoping there is an ace up Bronco’s sleeve.

Go Cougars.