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Bracketology 2024: Is BYU, Clemson, Butler, and Colorado State better than expected?

By Jason Burgess

BLACKSBURG, VA - JANUARY 4: Members of the Clemson Tigers mens basketball team react following a win against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on January 4, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - JANUARY 4: Members of the Clemson Tigers mens basketball team react following a win against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on January 4, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) /
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Brigham Young Cougars guard Spencer Johnson Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Brigham Young Cougars guard Spencer Johnson Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

BYU Cougars 8-0

One of the newcomers to the Big 12 that hasn’t received some of the attention others have is off to a roaring start. The No. 14 ranked BYU Cougars are 8-0 after beating another surprising team, Evansville in their last contest. The Cougars had wins over former Mountain West foe San Diego State, Arizona State, and NC State, and the games haven’t been particularly close, winning by an average of 15 points. In fact, the nine-point wins over the Aztecs and Wolfpack have been the closest wins for Mark Pope’s team.

The Cougars have been an offensive juggernaut so far this season putting up 91.9 points per game. Shooting 49% from the field certainly helps, as do five guys in double figures including senior Spencer Johnson who also puts up five rebounds and 5.1 assists. BYU has been one of the most efficient teams on both ends of the floor in the country so far, ranking in the top 11 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They also are No. 2 in block percentage (3.6%), 13th in two-point shot percentage (59.2%), and the best in the country in three-point defense allowing opponents to shoot just 22%.

Even though the Cougars entered the NET rankings at No. 2 behind fellow Big 12 newcomer Houston, their schedule will ultimately hold them back some. Their non-conference slate has them with four quad 4 wins and only one true road game on the entire slate, coming this Saturday at Utah. They are off to a good start, but whether that can be maintained heading into Big 12 play remains to be seen.

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