BYU Number 15 in First College Football Playoff Rankings

Top 15!

After feeling snubbed by getting a 14 ranking in the first College Football Rankings last season, but checked in at #15 in the inaugural rankings released Tuesday evening.

BYU is ranked 17 in the AP Poll and 20 Coaches Poll, and BYU’s 5-1 record versus Power 5 teams — including 4-0 versus the Pac-12 — was enough to catch the eye and respect of the committee.

BYU won’t get much of a chance to improve their resume the next three weeks with games versus Idaho State and Georgia Southern, but a road game in the season finale at 4-4 USC could catch the committee’s eye depending on how USC finishes out the season.

BYU would realistically need to get into the top 12 if they want any shot at a New Year’s Six bowl, so they’ll need teams above them to lose if they want any shot whatsoever. It’s unlikely, but it’s at least worth monitoring the next few weeks as BYU plays a couple cupcakes. If teams above BYU keep losing and teams like Virginia, Utah, and Washington State play well, BYU could make a case for a NY6 bid.