BYU Played One of the Most Difficult Schedules in the Country in 2023

The Cougars fell short of bowl eligibility in their first season in the Big 12

On Saturday afternoon, BYU gave up a three-score lead in a double overtime loss to Oklahoma State. The Cougars were a play or two away from reaching bowl eligibility and spoiling Oklahoma State's championship aspirations. Instead, BYU finished with a 5-7 record and ended the season a five-game losing streak.

2023 was always going to be a difficult season for BYU. The Cougars were in their inaugural season in the Big 12, and playing 10 consecutive Power Five opponents for the first time in program history. There were moments where the schedule clearly caught up with BYU - like when BYU lost three consecutive games in blowout fashion against Texas, West Virginia, and Iowa State. As it turns out, BYU's schedule was even more challenging than anticipated.

Credit: BYU Photo

According to the Sagarin strength of schedule rankings, BYU's schedule was the sixth most difficult in the country. Of the 14 Big 12 schools, only Texas (2) and Texas Tech (3) had more challenging schedules than BYU.

In terms of strength of schedule, BYU had the most difficult schedule of the four newcomers by a wide margin. Houston's schedule ranked 28th nationally while UCF's schedule and Cincinnati's schedule ranked 41st and 42nd, respectively.

Below are the strength of schedule rankings for the Big 12:

1. Texas (2)
2. Texas Tech (3)
3. BYU (6)
4. Iowa State (7)
5. Kansas State (9)
6. TCU (11)
7. Oklahoma (18)
   
8. Kansas (19)
9. Baylor (25)
10. Houston (28)
11. Oklahoma State (30)
12. West Virginia (36)
13. UCF (41)
14. Cincinnati (42)

Now, Kalani Sitake will turn the page to the 2024 season. Sitake will need to make the necessary changes within the program to be competitive for another challenging slate in 2024. 

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