The BYU Cougars began this week controlling their own destiny. That concept is now in doubt. After beating Notre Dame, the only on-paper challenge appeared to be No. 10 Utah in the Holy War two weeks from now.

Had BYU defeated UCF and Arizona State the following week, their path to the Big 12 championship game would almost be assured. Now the path to the postseason looks significantly different than it did a week ago.

After BYU’s loss to UCF and before Utah vs Houston kicks off, Utah remains the only unbeaten Big 12 team. If they can beat Houston, Utah will own sole possession of first place in the conference. A wild swing in just a week.

A common statement made about many games that appear to be closer than they are is, “the game was not as close as the score would indicate." That statement is shockingly true about BYU at UCF.

Not a single individual BYU player led this game in any single statistic. Keyone Jenkins was significantly better than Bear Bachmeier with a better completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns thrown and turnovers committed. UCF’s Duke Watson more than doubled BYU’s leading rusher in Preston Rex.

Kyler Kasper led the Cougars with 129 yards, a touchdown and 21.5 yards per reception, and he still didn’t lead the game. Tyren Hornes for the Knights finished with 137 yards and almost 23 yards per reception.

The BYU defense played better than UCF, but the margin was minimal. Defensive miscues and mistakes led to additional opportunities for UCF. As much as this game was moderately unimpressive by the BYU offense, it was the BYU defense that would ultimately cost BYU their No. 2 ranking.

The BYU defense allowed more big-chunk plays than anyone would have expected heading into this game. The defense gave up almost 200 yards on only six specific plays. Then there were the uncharacteristic penalties or missed opportunities.

In the first overtime period, BYU would march down and score to take the overtime lead. Then they allowed UCF to score the equalizing touchdown on a one-play, 25-yard touchdown pass.

In what would prove to be the difference in the game, BYU blocked a go-ahead field goal attempt in the second overtime. That block was negated by a roughing the kicker penalty. Upon further review, the offensive and defensive lineman were engaged, fell to the ground and eventually contacted the kicker’s planted foot well after the kick. Even the broadcast team found that penalty difficult to accept.

“They’re calling this on Kendall Wall,” Griffin on the broadcast. “You’re going to see him plow over the offensive lineman there on the block and they both kind of fall into the kicker. I don’t know if they got this one right. Tough break on that one for BYU.”

On the next play, Jenkins would find Utah native Grayson Brousseau two yards short of the goal line. Brousseau was met before the goal line by Tommy Prassas who was unable to prevent the touchdown. On the subsequent BYU possession, they would end the game on three consecutive incomplete passes.

BYU can next expect to see a shake-up at the top of the Big 12 standings. If Utah can beat Houston, the Utes will be the lone remaining unbeaten team in the conference. If Utah does not beat Houston, there will be a four-team logjam at the top. Regardless of the standings, BYU should expect to fall in the AP Top 25.