We’ll know a lot more about BYU’s at large chances by Friday. Bottom line for them is that winning is all they can do and three wins would be huge. You’re right that BYU can effectively jump USAFA with a victory in the MWC. I think they still need to clear out about five to seven teams above them and winning two games to get to the finals might not be quite enough. I think a first round ACC win would probably be enough for Florida State. A&M/Colorado is a no-win for BYU. There’s just no way that Baylor will beat them both, which would be the only way that the Big XII sees only three bids. ‘Cuse needs to lose that first rounder against Cincinnati. UAB needs to lose fast in C-USA, but Rice or SMU figure to be bird bait for them. Utah State probably also needs a pretty quick loss. That’s a lot to ask, but anything’s possible this time of year. And who knows who’ll play their way onto the bubble?

Just win, baby.

Interesting points. I’ve seen BYU in the “last 4 out” list in a couple of places but all of them assumed AFA was in. I was assuming that even if SDSU wins the conference tourney BYU could have an excellent chance of getting an at large bid if they beat AFA but lost in the finals. But I think you are right that anything short of three more wins is very risky for the Cougs. In any case, this 10-1 streak has surely helped BYUs chances tremendously. The selection committee often rewards theams that get hot at the end of the season.

BTW — Where are you getting your RPI numbers?

The problem is that I don’t think their resume stacks up well against any of the MVC schools other than maybe Creighton. Some things to keep an eye on:

1) Hope that Colorado loses in the Big XII first round and that Texas A&M loses their first as well.

2) Obviously, no conference tourney upsets.

3) Get UAB out of C-USA first, although I think they’ll get in anyway.

4) I’ll post others when I’m not late for something else…….

I think it is a combination of some good new players and a good new coach who employs a system that is utilizing the players correctly. Steve Cleveland was also a good coach and he left the cupboard well-stocked for Coach Rose. BYU has landed some big recruits in the last few years and they are starting to shine now. The sprinting style BYU has employed this season is also throwing opponents off because it is so unlike anything league coaches have ever seen from BYU. In some ways it is sort of like how Gary Crowton came in and cleaned up in his first year with a new style. But in other important ways it is very different that Crowton’s football experience. For one, Dave Rose was an assistant coach who was promoted so there is much better continuity for this team. Another difference is that this BYU team has only one senior and a few freshmen stars so don’t be surprised if we see BYU picked to win the conference for the next 2-3 years. Any way you look at it, the future is bright for this team.