BYU got a bit of a scare last weekend against Arkansas State but knows its D1A playoff road won’t get any easier as a quarterfinal clash with Penn State looms this Saturday.

Slammed by injuries this season, the Cougars have nevertheless pulled off victories against Grand Canyon, Colorado, Central Washington (twice), San Diego State, Utah, and, now, Arkansas State—with only two losses to Saint Mary’s marring BYU's record.

That’s seven victories over four playoff teams and two more just out of postseason contention. It’s good, but is it BYU good? In other years, the Cougars would have steamrolled most of these teams, but a combined total of 477 points for and 189 points against in nine games isn’t earth-shattering. 

As 13th-seeded ASU showed, Brigham Young is vulnerable as the No. 4 seed and perhaps even more than that. Without four crucial defensive plays by lock James Mocke in the final few minutes, the Cougars might be sitting at home this weekend.

BYU WINS!! Onto the next round!! 34-23 BYU #BYURugby! pic.twitter.com/CV84dG1Z9t

— BYU Rugby (@byurugby) April 15, 2018

This Saturday's game against fifth-seeded Penn State in Provo, Utah, could be one for the books. The visiting Nittany Lions didn’t flinch at all against 12th-seeded Arizona in the round of 16, blowing out a very good Wildcats team 51-34.

Penn State was led by Ryan McNulty, a wide-ranging lock who also plays wing (or something—he basically plays sevens even when it’s 15s), and unleashed a very entertaining, open-field game to open its playoff run.

Warmups underway. 30 minutes until kickoff in round 1 of the D1A playoffs pic.twitter.com/31cLi6Ju0A

— Penn State Rugby (@PennStateMRugby) April 14, 2018

However, freshman sensation Brian Stella won’t suit up for Penn State after a silly red card (he flipped a ballcarrier dangerously who had jumped to catch a pass, but that’s no excuse).

Penn State’s job will be to control things up front. BYU would do well to slow the game down and play in tight. But if the game spreads out, a very mobile group of Nittany Lions forwards might have the edge—not bad for a team that has been through three coaches in two seasons.

Fans and observers alike agree, this is the most difficult D1A quarterfinal to pick. The Cougars have a huge advantage by being at home, and they will need it.