MUST SEE: BYU Cougars-Utah Utes Tilt Has MAJOR Big 12 Title Ramifications—Will LJ Martin Impact Holy War?

Holy War week takes center stage as BYU and Utah square off with the Big 12 Championship in Arlington hanging in the balance. The conversation focused on whether BYU can overcome injury concerns, especially around running back LJ Martin, to topple a consistent Utes squad that’s impressed all season. One concept discussed was BYU’s need to stick to a precise game plan—mirroring Houston’s approach against Utah earlier this year—to have a real shot at the upset, especially given Utah’s multidimensional paths to victory and their knack for capitalizing on rivals’ mistakes. A key theme that emerged was the Big 12’s reputation for chaos and unpredictability, with teams like Texas Tech, West Virginia, Houston, and Cincinnati all set for potentially season-defining matchups. The discussion explored how one-score games have become the Cougars’ trademark, giving them poise in close contests, while Utah’s recent blowout win over Cincinnati served notice that they’re peaking at the right time. Several points were raised, including the importance of players like Connor Wegman and Castellanos in shaping the quarterback matchups, and how coaching decisions—such as usage of backup quarterbacks and game-day gambits—could make or break a team’s season. TV scheduling quirks and late-night kickoffs came under scrutiny, with local fan bases questioning 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. time slots for headline matchups. The conversation highlighted how rest, travel, and home-field dynamics—including Lubbock’s notorious atmosphere—may provide crucial advantages. The path to the College Football Playoff was dissected, factoring in multi-team tiebreakers and the possibility of Tech, BYU, and Houston all finishing 11-1. Player-focused insights spotlighted the impact of Houston’s defensive line led by Khalil Laufau and the importance of West Virginia’s offensive front in upcoming battles. The Big 12 Squad’s breakdown spotlights every edge as the league heads into its most crucial week. Can BYU’s situational mastery and late-game grit be enough against Utah’s composure and versatility? How will Texas Tech’s quarterback switch, Houston’s ground game, and a road-tested West Virginia team influence the conference pecking order? Stay tuned as the unpredictable Big 12 title race moves toward a dramatic conclusion. 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 Ultimate GM: Locked On listeners: use promo code CFB26 , al

MUST SEE: BYU Cougars-Utah Utes Tilt Has MAJOR Big 12 Title Ramifications—Will LJ Martin Impact Holy War? | BIg 12 Squad