The topic du jour was BYU’s current position in the College Football Playoff rankings, and how the team can perhaps improve its spot with the pursuit of so-called ‘style points.’ It’s a topic that is certain to come into focus even more as the season wares on should the Cougars not incur another loss over their final two games of the season.

And all of it is a good thing, with any team hoping to receive national recognition and subsequent debate since it usually works hand-in-hand in achieving some notable success. Even so, all of it comes with some level of frustration, as a coach of any team can only control so much with regards to how they’re perceived.

“I know it exists. I’m not dumb,” Sitake said regarding the ongoing debate on BYU’s overall rankings and chances at an at-large CFP invite. “I know all the stuff that’s out there. I know what people are saying, and the metrics, the analytics and the style points, and all that stuff…I understand all that, but I have to be focused on what I can control, and that’s playing football.”

Up next for the Cougars is a game on the road versus Cincinnati, which is certain to present challenges that require all of Sitake’s focus, along with that of his players. Should BYU lose the game versus the Bearcats, the focus on it will likely plummet, which Sitake readily pointed out to the media.

“It’s nice that people are noticing and that we’re in the mix, but what does that matter if we don’t go 1-0 this weekend?,” Kalani said. “So my focus, and what I’m trying to keep the team focused on is the stuff that we can control. I know one thing, and that’s if we go out there and play at our best, then I like our chances. But until then, I’m not going to go out here, and campaign, and waste my energy on stuff I can’t control.”

A trio of accolades

BYU received three Big 12 Conference weekly awards as a result of its 44-13 win over TCU, with kicker Will Ferrin receiving the conference Special Teams Player of the Week, quarterback Bear Bachmeier being named the Offensive Player of the Week and the Cougar defensive line as Defensive Line of the week.

Ferrin kicked through three field goals in the win with Bachmeier putting forth perhaps the best performance of his young career, completing 23-33 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns while running for 59 yards and another touchdown on the ground. As for the Cougar defensive line, it helped limit TCU’s prolific offense throughout, holding the Horned Frogs to just 13 points and 298 yards of total offense.

“I’m pleased with how the guys are working and their belief in themselves, and in each other, and in the system,” Sitake said of his defensive line. “When they do that, good things can happen…It’s a good sign when we’re getting more sacks, hurries, and disruptions. If we can do things like that, we can get more interceptions and create more havoc.”

BYU was solid in both the interior and on the edges on Saturday, with several young defensive ends showing well, particularly sophomore Texas transfer Tausili Akana and Stanford transfer Nusi Taumoepeau. Both players are central to a young group of defensive ends that Sitake is very bullish about.

“Those guys are still just babies, man,” Sitake said. “They’re going to get bigger and stronger — they’re just going to be a force. And right now it’s good to see that they have the opportunity to contribute. But when they grow up and get bigger it’s going to be scary.”

Strides on the other side

Also addressing the media on Monday was BYU center Bruce Mitchell, who has been consistently rated as BYU’s top-graded offensive lineman throughout the season by services such as Pro Football Focus and as one of the top-rated centers nationally. For Mitchell, a 6-foot-3, 305 pound junior from Kamas, it’s his first full year developing as a center after making the switch from the defensive line during the 2024 season, and the strides made speak for themselves.

“I’m happy with the development I’ve had,” Mitchell said. “It’s been fun to look back on film and see how I’ve gotten better, whether it’s making (the right calls) and getting everyone in the right spots, or just my technique and being able to move people. It’s been a really fun year…I’m happy with where I’m at and where the offensive line is at.”