ABOUT THIS EPISODE
BYU football faces a pivotal moment as they welcome in Notre Dame Saturday and have ESPN’s College GameDay returning to Provo for the first time since 2009. The stakes couldn’t be higher—can Kalani Sitake’s team fix its critical red zone issues and convert missed opportunities into a signature win? Bear Bachmeier’s growth at quarterback and Aaron Roderick’s play-calling under the national spotlight are under the microscope. As the Cougars prepare for a game that could redefine their place in the college football landscape, fans and analysts are asking: will the BYU Cougars finally shake off the doubters and claim their shot at national relevance?
Jake Hatch spotlights BYU’s dominating yet imperfect victory over Iowa State, revealing how a 24-10 final score masked both overwhelming strengths and glaring red zone shortcomings. He explores teachable breakdowns, such as fourth down efficiency and missed touchdown opportunities—like the near-miss to Legend Glasker and the fade threat once posed by Isaac Rex. Standouts Keanu Tanuvasa and Bodie Schoonover anchor a stalwart defense, while Kyler Kasper’s resilience and Tiger Bachmeier’s mixed special teams performance draw scrutiny. Hatch provides actionable takeaways for Sitake’s staff and highlights the passionate impact of Cougar Nation, whose deafening crowd noise helped sway momentum against Iowa State.
The episode dives into the implications of College GameDay’s return to Brigham Young University and the national spotlight against one of college football’s most storied programs. Can BYU overcome oddsmakers—who peg them as double-digit underdogs—and show the nation they’re more than just a scrappy Big 12 newcomer? Hatch analyzes how this matchup with Notre Dame, plus the resume win over a now-impressive Arizona Wildcats squad, could catapult the Cougars into College Football Playoff contention. Could a win even put Bear Bachmeier in the Heisman conversation, especially with injuries to key offensive playmakers like LJ Martin?
Key discussion points extend to Big 12 storylines, with Hatch’s “3 Up, 3 Down” segment critiquing Utah’s defensive cracks, West Virginia’s defensive collapse, and Kansas State’s stumbles, while praising Oklahoma State, Houston, and Arizona’s surges. With ticket prices soaring, the crowd buzzing, and history at stake, Hatch sets the scene for a weekend that could define BYU’s campaign. Will College GameDay prove a curse or a coming-out party? Can BYU rise above adversity and finally silence the naysayers?
Don’t miss Hatch’s hard-hitting analysis, bold predictions, and the inside scoop on how BYU plans to seize its biggest opportunity yet.
Support Locked On Cougars:
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!
Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
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.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
KALSHI: For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Butcher Box: If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always
5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon
ULTRA POUCHES: Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com!
Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel: This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.
If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
IN THIS EPISODE
TRANSCRIPT 🔗
SEARCH PAST EPISODES
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS PODCAST
