Which game matters the most for BYU football?

Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
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Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

BYU football has another marquee September lineup this season. Even if the Cougars tanked this year, which game is the most important on BYU’s schedule?

The early portion of BYU football’s schedule could be considered one of the toughest in the nation.

After the home opener against Portland State, the Cougars have a neutral site, primetime kickoff versus LSU and home matches against rival Utah and Wisconsin.

Things don’t get too much easier after that, with games at Utah State and Mississippi State with a visit from Boise State in between.

With Coach Sitake and his staff settled in, this could be a breakout year for BYU football, another four loss year, or a just-get-bowl-eligible year.

Given the enormous potential this season offers, which game is the most important for BYU?

No. 13 through No. 7: East Carolina through Hawaii, and Portland State

From October 21 until the end of the season, BYU still sees the large drop in competition that has been common in the early years of independence.

If the Cougars were to run the table or get to this point with one loss, obviously these games mean much more than they do now.

But with any major slip-ups, these games will help BYU football become bowl eligible and finish strong.

Losing any would be a shock, but if the Cougars find themselves in this situation, it’s probably been a rough year up to that point.

And Portland State

Schedule

Schedule