BYU Football: 2014 Schedule Finally Released

The 2014 football schedule is finally official and it features no big surprises. By most accounts, this schedule is disappointing for BYU as they head into their fourth year of Independence, but it could set BYU up for an exciting season if the Cougars can get a couple of big wins.

So, let’s take a look at the schedule:

Aug. 29 (Friday) – at UConn

Oct 4, 2013; Logan, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs against the Utah State Aggies defensive during the fourth quarter at Romney Stadium. BYU won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Sept. 6 – at Texas

Sept. 11(Thursday) – Houston

Sept. 20 – Virginia

Oct. 3 (Friday) – Utah State

Oct. 11 – at UCF

Oct. 18 – Nevada

Oct. 25 – at Boise State

Nov. 1 – at Middle Tennessee

Nov. 15 – UNLV

Nov. 22 – Savannah State

Nov. 29 – at California

For many BYU fans, the opponents on the schedule have been common knowledge for a while, but some of the dates have still been up in the air. While the schedule announcement doesn’t feature any new teams, a couple of date changes are exciting for BYU. The

The opening game of the year at UCONN was changed from August 28 to August 29 and will kick off on ESPN. The first home game against Houston was moved from September 27 to a Thursday night game on September 11 and will also be featured on ESPN. It also is probably safe to assume that the game against Utah State will be a Friday night ESPN game. No, they’re not Saturday games, but any time BYU can play on the Mothership, it’s a good thing.

Other games that will likely be on the ESPN family of networks are Texas, Virginia, UCF, Nevada, Boise State and UNLV. The more BYU wins, however, the more likely it is that games are picked up by ESPN along the way.

My fingers are already crossed that BYU is 11-0 heading to the season finale at Cal so that we can avoid a fiasco with the PAC-12 Network.

I also hope that BYU breaks out the black uniforms against Utah State at home, though, if we do get to see an alternate jersey this year I think it will be for the Nevada game. I love uniforms, so this is almost as important as the schedule itself to me.