REACTION: BYU Escapes Arizona State 27-20: Lackluster Win Now Sets Up High-Stakes Holy War vs. Utah

Welcome into another edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! The No. 8 BYU Cougars found a way to win on a tense Halloween afternoon, grinding out a hard-fought 27-20 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils at LaVell Edwards Stadium. But while getting another tally in the win column keeps the Cougars marching forward in the national landscape, there is plenty of critical evaluation to unpack from a performance where the team turned in a noticeably lackluster showing across all three phases. On today's show, we break down every angle of Saturday's narrow escape. Despite securing the seven-point victory, the BYU offense experienced extended stretches of stagnation, the defense occasionally struggled to contain opposing momentum, and operational miscues kept Arizona State within striking distance until the final whistle. We examine why the rhythm felt disjointed, how quarterback Bear Bachmeier and the supporting cast managed to make winning plays when the pressure was highest, and why cleaning up these sloppy execution errors is non-negotiable moving forward. With the Arizona State test officially in the rearview mirror, all eyes instantly pivot to the most anticipated, high-stakes week on the annual calendar: The Holy War. Next Saturday morning, the Cougars pack their bags and head up to Rice-Eccles Stadium for a monumental collision against the arch-rival Utah Utes. We take an early, deep-dive look at the matchup, analyzing what this fierce rivalry clash means for BYU's College Football Playoff resume, the Big 12 championship race, and the hostile environment waiting for them in Salt Lake City. Can Kalani Sitake's squad rediscover their sharpest form in time for enemy territory? What are the primary tactical battles that will decide the outcome of the ultimate state rivalry? Tune in for complete game breakdowns, early Holy War previews, and all the expert insights you need to get dialed in! Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review Locked On Cougars on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform! 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 Wayfair: Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home Ultra P

REACTION: BYU Escapes Arizona State 27-20: Lackluster Win Now Sets Up High-Stakes Holy War vs. Utah | Locked On Cougars POSTCAST