The BYU Cougars’ latest College Football Playoff snub exposes deep flaws in the CFP committee and power-conference bias. Jake Hatch breaks down BYU’s season-long pursuit of a playoff berth, analyzing how their 11-win campaign and the Big 12’s limited representation were steamrolled by shifting committee rules and questionable treatment of championship losses. Debate heats up as Hatch compares BYU’s résumé to those of Oklahoma, Miami, Alabama, and Notre Dame, pointing to moving goalposts and rules that seem to favor SEC and Big Ten teams. With playoff slots worth millions, Hatch highlights how financial incentives and lack of transparency further erode trust in college football’s postseason system.

Notre Dame intensifies the drama by opting out of the bowl season entirely after being snubbed for a playoff spot. This last-minute change sets the stage for BYU to square off against Georgia Tech in the highly anticipated Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Hatch discusses the ramifications of Notre Dame’s exit—not just for BYU and bowl organizers, but for the future of college football as other programs could contemplate following suit. He reviews Big 12 penalties for postseason opt-outs and notes the competitive drive of BYU and Georgia Tech, emphasizing how bowl games remain crucial for athletes and fans, even as the playoff expansion looms.

Turning to the matchup itself, Hatch previews a clash of physical, run-heavy teams as BYU and Georgia Tech bring power football and versatile offenses to Orlando. Standout players like Haynes King for Georgia Tech and Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin for BYU are set to make this a must-watch contest. Hatch covers concerns about NFL Draft-related opt-outs and transfer portal moves that could reshape each roster before kickoff, while also reflecting on bowl travel tradition and the opportunity for fans to turn disappointment into destination viewing. Is this electric matchup a chance for BYU to prove the committee wrong on a national stage?

With the CFP landscape in chaos and bowl game traditions under scrutiny, Hatch offers a passionate outlook and invites listeners to join the All Access insider group for deeper analysis and exclusive content. How will BYU respond to adversity—and can the Cougars set a new precedent for postseason success?

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. 

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