Top 6 Bowl projections for BYU football ahead of Week 4

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The BYU Cougars are entering Big 12 conference play after the bye week. But it's not too soon to look at bowl game projections. Six outlets with five different opponents, all in the College Football Playoff.

It's hard to believe all the majors agree BYU will be among the final 12 teams this season. After being skipped over each of the past two seasons, Kalani Sitake's team is ready to take the next step and definitely have to roster to make a deep run. Here's a look at the latest projections for the BYU football program.

ESPN & Bleacher Report

BYU vs. Alabama

This would be an interesting matchup on many levels. BYU to Tuscaloosa or Alabama to Provo? ESPN analysts are torn on how it will go down, but they have the Tide and Cougars meeting to start the postseason. Kyle Bonagura has BYU as the 9-seed playing at Alabama, while Mark Schlabach has the inverse with BYU hosting during the first round. The Tide haven't carried the same amount of hype since Nick Saban stepped down and Kalen DeBoer took over.

Nevertheless, Alabama is still a dangerous team with many weapons. This would be a great head-to-head quarterback matchup with Keelon Russell and Bear Bachmeier. Both passers have been camp counselors at the Manning Passing Academy in the past.

CBS Sports

BYU vs. Ohio State

This one would be epic for BYU if they could pull off an upset at the Horseshoe. The preseason No. 1 team in the land would host the 10th-seeded Cougars under this scenario. Kalani Sitake going up against Ryan Day would be great to watch. BYU's secondary would be across the line from OSU WR Jeremiah Smith, who will be the next great receiver in the NFL.

USA TODAY Sports

BYU vs. Penn State

Penn State in the Playoff during Matt Campbell's first season? USA TODAY Sports might be reaching here. However, the storyline is set up greatly for BYU. Kalani Sitake rejects Penn State in the offseason, but later faces the team in the postseason. The outlet has the Cougars beating the Nittany Lions in the first round. This would lead to Sitake being viewed as a hero who stayed to put BYU football on the map.

What's even more interesting is that USA TODAY has BYU advancing to play Notre Dame in the quarterfinals. A trilogy series all within a year? That would be outstanding football.

Sports Illustrated

BYU vs. LSU

Are people still on the "Lane train" after LSU's loss to Ole Miss? We'll see how the Tigers bounce back this season. According to SI, LSU could be making a trip to Provo to open the Playoff. If that does become true, expect fireworks from a physical standpoint. Also, LSU QB Sam Leavitt is not new for BYU. The former Arizona State QB would try to take two teams to the College Football Playoff. LSU and Lane Kiffin in LaVell Edwards Stadium for a playoff game would be great to see. Especially in the snow.

On3

BYU vs. Indiana

Brett McMurphy is one of the most reliable reporters in college football. While the projection seems a bit off, BYU in the CFP playing at reigning national champion Indiana in the first round seems unreal. The Hoosiers have TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover, who is starting to make his own path in Bloomington. If this happened, Curt Cignetti against Kalani Sitake would be great to see.