Patrick Kinahan: First loss no longer shatters BYU's dreams

PROVO — Finally, for the first time in more than a decade, all is not lost once the inevitable first loss comes for the BYU football team.

Thank goodness for those connected to the program, from the coaches and players right down to all the fans. No doubt, it's the welcomed benefit — and relief — that comes with conference membership.

Since the Cougars went independent for the 2011 season, unfair or not, the first loss reduced the incentive to play for more than anything but pride. Perception was reality in the sense that one loss meant they were automatically contracted to play in a lower-profile bowl game that was negotiated well before the season started.

In real terms, no team and its fans want to know in September the grand prize that awaits three months later is the New Mexico and Independence bowls, to name BYU's last two postseason games. Akin to a movie, it's far more interesting to let the plot play out before the calendar officially turns to autumn.

Like most recent seasons, BYU's first loss came early this year — Saturday to Kansas — but the new Big 12 affiliation allows for some mystery. At 3-1 overall and 0-1 in conference, the Cougars could run the table and theoretically have a shot to make the four-team playoff.

Oh, yeah, file finishing 12-1 (counting the conference championship game) under the movie category of science fiction. But it's still better than searching for discount flights to Albuquerque three months in advance.

For now, anyway, the Cougars still have shot to play a Pac-12 team — let's say, for example, Utah — in the Alamo Bowl. Several remaining affiliations include Power Five opponents, so dream on until your dreams come true.

"In years past, you were limited to what your options were," BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. "And now that we're a part of this conference, there's definitely a lot to play for other than your pride and what's on the schedule.

"I think these guys want to play football for the right reasons. It's just more incentives. I think they're looking at the opportunities you have ahead of you. We're 3-1 right now, so this isn't a time to panic, but it is a time to have a high sense of urgency."

To keep hopes alive requires winning the first Big 12 home game Friday against Cincinnati, which is on a two-game losing streak and lost its first conference game last week to Oklahoma. An 0-2 start in conference play reduces either team to focus on trying to become bowl eligible.

Preseason prognostications be darned, the Cougars expect to compete well their first year in the Big 12. They believe Saturday's hard-fought 11-point loss, in which Kansas scored two touchdowns on defense, proved as much.

"We can play in this conference," Sitake declared after the loss in Lawrence. "I think if you talk to Kansas, they'll tell you that."

OK, it's easy to find some truth in there. BYU did take a 3-point lead at halftime and was within one possession late in the game.

For now, forget about Texas and Oklahoma, the two Big 12 teams ranked at third and 14th, respectively. The bulk of the remaining conference schedule does not look overwhelming.

"We feel really good about the talent of our team," Sitake said.

But significant issues do persist, namely a lousy running game that has not generated nearly enough through the first third of the season. Injuries and poor play have resulted in multiple makeshift rotations for the offensive line, which has not come close to matching expectations.

Aidan Robbins, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season for UNLV, has been ineffective in limited opportunities and is out for unspecified reasons. Freshman LJ Martin was the leading ground gainer against Kansas at 28 yards for an average of 2.5 yards per carry.

"A lot of teams are trying to take the run away from us, which is fine," Sitake said. "They do that, we've got to make them pay, and that's throw the ball in the air. When you throw the ball in the air, you've got to take care of the ball."

Kedon Slovis did throw for 357 yards but also had two interceptions, one of which was tipped twice before being returned for a touchdown on BYU's first possession of the third quarter. The Jayhawks scooped up Parker Kingston's fumble on BYU's first possession and returned it for a touchdown.

Without at least the threat of a running game and spotty protection, Slovis becomes a sitting duck in the pocket. Hardly an elusive runner, he poses no threat on option plays.

"We've got to run the ball more efficiently," Slovis said. "I think everyone knows that. It's no secret."

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