Two heartbreaking losses in three weeks have significantly damaged the BYU Cougars' College Football Playoff hopes, but they haven't ended the Cougars' season. Despite losing to both UCF and Utah, including celebratory field invasions by opposing fans, BYU still has a path to the Big 12 Championship game. That would likely come with an automatic CFP berth on the line for the conference champion. There is plenty left to play for in Provo.

The first step is simple. Kalani Sitake's team must win out. The 7-2 Cougars have three regular-season games remaining, beginning Saturday against Baylor at LaVell Edwards Stadium. BYU then travels to Kansas before hosting Cincinnati on Nov. 28. None of those games should be considered automatic victories. Baylor has found new life under interim coach Joe Klanderman, Kansas nearly upset UCF on Saturday, and Cincinnati owns a victory over Texas Tech. Crazy to think the Bears might make the Big 12 title game after firing their coach in the middle of the season.

Another loss would almost certainly end BYU's championship aspirations and leave the Cougars looking at a third consecutive mid-tier bowl appearance. But if they take care of business, the Big 12 standings could create an opportunity.

Utah currently controls the conference race at 6-0, while Texas Tech sits second at 5-1. BYU, Houston, Arizona, Baylor and Oklahoma State are all 4-2.

For the Cougars to have a realistic shot, Texas Tech likely needs to lose at least once in its final three games. The Red Raiders face difficult road tests at Oklahoma State and Baylor before hosting TCU. Houston also has a significant obstacle.

BYU needs the other Cougars to drop another conference game because Houston holds favorable tiebreaker possibilities among teams with two losses. Ideally, BYU would like to see both Utah and Texas Tech finish with two conference losses, creating an opportunity for the Cougars to climb into the top two and reach the championship game.

It all starts with Texas Tech. The College Football Playoff picture is more complicated. BYU fell five spots to No. 12 in Sunday's AP Top 25 College Football poll, and Tuesday's CFP rankings will provide a better indication of how the selection committee views the Cougars after the Utah loss. An at-large bid remains possible, but BYU likely needs significant help from teams ahead of it.

Interestingly enough, Notre Dame could help. The lrish have rebounded from their October loss in Provo with victory over previously unbeaten No. 1 Miami. That makes BYU's head-to-head victory increasingly valuable. Ultimately, the Cougars cannot control the rankings or other teams' results. They can go out and play their style of football.

The Cougars came into the season with Playoff hopes and wanted a strong finish. Three wins could put BYU right back in the Big 12 championship conversation. And as long as that possibility exists, there is still reason to believe it.

Source: Yahoo Sports