Cougar Comeback: BYU's Unexpected Rise to Playoff ContentionComing into the 2024 season, ESPN FPI gave BYU just a 31% chance to win six games and reach bowl eligibility. However, the Cougars have defied expectations, starting the season 5-0 with two wins over ranked opponents. As a result, BYU's chances to reach six wins have skyrocketed to 99% according to FPI, and the team now has a 22% chance to make the College Football Playoff.## Playoff Projections: BYU's Path to the Big DanceBYU's impressive start to the season has put them firmly in the playoff conversation, with several prominent analysts projecting the Cougars to make a deep postseason run.### Fiesta Bowl Showdown: BYU vs. OregonESPN's Kyle Bonagura envisions a dream scenario for BYU, with the Cougars earning a first-round bye in the playoff and then facing off against Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl. This would be an ideal matchup for the Cougars, as the Ducks have not been flawless this year, and the game would be played in a neighboring state.### The "Mark Pope Bowl": BYU vs. KentuckyESPN's Mark Schlabach projects BYU to face off against Kentucky in the Liberty Bowl. This would be a low-scoring affair, as the Wildcats boast one of the best defenses in the country. The game has been dubbed the "Mark Pope Bowl," a nod to the former BYU basketball coach who is now the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.### Alamo Bowl Clash: BYU vs. USCThe Action Network's Brett McMurphy foresees BYU taking on USC in the Alamo Bowl, a matchup that would pit two teams just outside of at-large playoff consideration. The Alamo Bowl is known for its festive atmosphere, and this game would undoubtedly be an entertaining one.### Pop-Tarts Bowl Showdown: BYU vs. Notre DameCBS Sports' Jerry Palmer has BYU facing off against Notre Dame in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a unique and entertaining way to conclude the 2024 season for the Cougars. This matchup would be a must-watch for college football fans.### Playoff Rematch: BYU vs. Georgia247Sports' Brad Crawford projects BYU to win the Big 12 and earn a first-round bye in the playoff, setting up a second-round matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. This would be a tough test for the Cougars, as the Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the country.### Texas Bowl Tussle: BYU vs. MissouriAthlon Sports' Steve Lassan has BYU facing off against Missouri in the Texas Bowl. The Tigers were once in playoff contention before suffering a blowout loss, but they still have a path to at-large consideration if they can get back on track.As the 2024 season progresses, BYU's playoff aspirations continue to gain momentum. The Cougars have proven their mettle against ranked opponents and now find themselves in the thick of the postseason conversation. With a variety of potential bowl matchups on the horizon, BYU fans can look forward to an exciting and unpredictable conclusion to the year.