ROCK < PAPER < SCISSORS < ROCK
It's the nature of competition in any good sport, and it's factors are multiplied by the number of participants during the game. We fans think in terms of seasons, but each game is its own war. For participants, there is no season--only the next war and what can be learned from the last war.
As for what happened Saturday to BYU and GS...
BYU is a mature team (older and more mature players) and more likely to build on their success.
GS was more likely to have done what college kids are prone to: believe what they read about themselves all week and then "stand" on their success, as if achievement has its own carryover.
I'd also guess* a Mormon institution is more likely than the general culture to view pride as deceptive and potentially a character flaw, whereas the general athletic culture (including GS?) might emphasize pride as a strength to be cultivated.
* But I'm neither a football coach nor a Mormon, so that's based on what my friends who are either tell me.