When you start the season playing 4 tough P5 teams, and likely going 0-4, or 1-3, it's virtually impossible to win the remaining 8 games of the season.

• After playing 4 elite defenses, the OL will be worn down, and there's a decent chance of injuries at QB, RB, WR, and TE.
• Morale is weakened.

By the time Toledo, USF, USU, and Boise State roll around- teams over which BYU has a significant talent advantage- and teams BYU should beat- the beatings BYU has taken in the previous 4 games has caught up to them, AND BYU ends up losing a game or two that they shouldn't.

At that point, the team's 2-6/3-5, and the season is basically over. The only motivation the players have is getting to a bowl game.

I'm not saying G5 conference is the only solution- if you COULD spread the big games around, that would be great. Just don't know if you can.

There's just a negative cumulative effect that occurs after getting the crap kicked out of them the first 4 weeks. 2017 was kind of the most extreme example.