Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball podcast - Page 5

November 05, 2025 BYU is America's OVERLOOKED College Football Team WIth Media Giving Little RESPECT to ELITE Cougars! BYU-Texas Tech Just What Big 12 Needs | A-Rod Apologies Are Warranted!

The BYU Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders meet in a historic top-10 matchup that represents more than just another Big 12 conference game. This clash between new conference members could fundamentally alter the Big 12 hierarchy and challenge national perceptions about college football's power structure.

BYU's Underrated Excellence: 19-2 Record Gets No Respect

Jake Hatch and Drake Toll dissect why BYU's remarkable 19-2 record over their last 21 games receives virtually no national media attention. While programs like Indiana dominate headlines, the Cougars quietly compile playoff-caliber performances that go unnoticed. The hosts attribute this media blackout to the Big 12's significant disadvantage against SEC and Big Ten conference networks, which control the national narrative.

Critical Injury Updates for Both Teams

BYU faces uncertainty around quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin's availability, while Texas Tech monitors the status of Baron Morton and Jacob Rodriguez. These injury situations could dramatically impact game strategy and outcomes in this pivotal conference matchup.

Drake Toll's Public Apology to Aaron Roderick

In a surprising moment, Drake Toll issues a public apology to BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. Toll praises Roderick's masterful adjustments during the Iowa State game, where he transformed true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier into a dual-threat weapon. Bachmeier accounted for 350 of BYU's 400 total yards, showcasing Roderick's offensive genius and adaptability.

First Top-10 Opponent in 101 Years

This matchup represents BYU's first top-10 opponent in 101 years of football history, underscoring the magnitude of this moment. The game raises critical questions about whether new Big 12 members can establish themselves as conference flagships over traditional powers.

Big 12 National Perception at Stake

Beyond individual team success, this game carries enormous implications for Big 12 credibility on the national stage. Can the conference's newest members prove they belong among college football's elite? The answer could reshape how media, fans, and playoff committees view the Big 12 moving forward.

This historic showdown promises to define the Big 12's future and challenge college football's established power dynamics.

Jake Hatch delivers an in-depth analysis of the BYU Cougars' historic matchup against Texas Tech—their first-ever game against a fellow top-10 opponent in 101 years of football history. This College GameDay featured showdown represents far more than a single game; it's a glimpse into the future of the expanded 16-team Big 12 Conference.

Key Topics Covered:

Historic Matchup Analysis: Breaking down BYU's unprecedented top-10 clash and what it means for the program's national standing in college football rankings.

Injury Updates and Player Spotlight: Comprehensive coverage of key player health status, including linebacker Jacob Rodriguez's Heisman-caliber performance and quarterback Baron Morton's return to form after recent struggles.

Financial Firepower in College Football: How NIL money and billionaire boosters like Cody Campbell and Ryan Smith are reshaping the Big 12 Conference landscape, giving programs like BYU and Texas Tech competitive advantages over traditional powers.

Big 12 Championship Implications: Why this game could determine the conference championship race and which teams are positioned to dominate the expanded Big 12 moving forward.

Regional Advantages in Modern CFB: Examining how passionate fan bases, strong financial backing, and market positioning create sustainable success in the NIL era, potentially elevating programs that were previously considered mid-tier.

Conference Realignment Impact: Understanding how the Big 12's expansion to 16 teams changes competitive dynamics and which programs benefit most from the new structure.

This episode provides essential insights for college football fans, BYU supporters, Big 12 followers, and anyone interested in how money and market forces are transforming the sport's power structure. Whether you're tracking conference championship races, following NIL developments, or analyzing college football's evolving landscape, this breakdown offers critical perspective on where the sport is headed.

BYU Cougars offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is finally getting the recognition he deserves after years of unfair criticism from fans and media alike. In this episode, Drake issues a public apology for past skepticism while breaking down how Roderick has orchestrated one of college football's most impressive offensive transformations in 2024.

BYU Offensive Coordinator Proves Doubters Wrong

Despite losing star running back LJ Martin to injury and relying on true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, Roderick has guided the top-ten ranked Cougars to a top-25 national ranking in offensive success rate. Jake Hatch from Locked On Cougars joins the discussion to provide insider analysis on Roderick's mid-game adjustments during the crucial Iowa State matchup, where he completely overhauled the offensive game plan without healthy running backs.

Freshman Quarterback Bear Bachmeier's Breakout Season

Bachmeier's performance draws comparisons to Tim Tebow's legendary freshman campaign, with nine rushing touchdowns leading the charge. The discussion explores why BYU hasn't yet unleashed its full passing attack and what that means for upcoming Big 12 opponents.

Historical Context: BYU Fans and Offensive Coordinator Criticism

Hatch provides fascinating historical perspective on BYU's pattern of criticizing offensive coordinators, including legendary coach Norm Chow despite his championship success. This context illuminates why Roderick faced such intense scrutiny and why his current success is even more remarkable.

Looking Ahead: Texas Tech and Broyles Award Consideration

The episode examines BYU's upcoming Texas Tech challenge and whether Roderick's offensive innovations warrant Broyles Award consideration as college football's top assistant coach. With the Cougars' complete playbook still untapped, the potential for offensive fireworks remains high.

Discover why Aaron Roderick's coaching brilliance could propel BYU football to championship contention in the competitive Big 12 conference.

Join the Locked On Cougars Insider Group by clicking here! There is a free 14-day trial before you're charged anything

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 Locked On Podcast Network Sponsors!

DoorDash: With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18

SupplyHouse: Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply

FanDuel: Right now, new customers can bet just five dollars and get three hundred in bonus bets if you win. Go to 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 [email protected].

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

...more