BYU Football: The worst and best case scenarios for the Cougars
By Adam Gibby
For every good scenario there is also a bad scenario. BYU football has the potential for a lot of “best case scenarios” just as much as a lot of “worst case scenarios.”
People often say, imagine the worst case scenario and that will make the actual scenario better. BYU football fans have had to do this before.
As we enter the BYU football season, most of us like to think that unless the Cougars win every game, there is reason to complain.
Hopefully by the end of this, that won’t be the case.
To keep it from getting too depressing though, a best case scenario will also be put with each game. Again, a somewhat realistic best game scenario (BYU will not beat Utah 60-0 for example).
Game 1: Portland State
Worst Case Scenario: BYU gets caught looking ahead a bit. The Cougars get down 24-7 going into halftime. Instead of being able to preserve their playbook for LSU, the Cougars have to use every play they have. They rally late in the fourth quarter and go into overtime. The Cougars pull off the win with a two-point conversion. The media immediately starts to write off BYU football saying there is no chance they will be successful. The Cougars are exhausted and lose a lot of confidence going into week two.
Final Score 32-31 Win (1-0, not ranked)
Best Case Scenario: Remember Wagner a few years ago? BYU will score easily on every drive in the first half. The defense will hold Portland State scoreless going into halftime. Every starter will then be replaced and the second unit will score another few more scores and give up a few scores. The Cougars will have lots of confidence as they travel to Houston for game two.
Final Score 55-17 Win (1-0, receiving votes)
Game 2: LSU
Worst Case Scenario: Having barely made it past the Vikings, the Cougars really struggle to have much confidence as they play the Tigers. This shows immediately as the Tigers go up 24-0 by halftime. In the second half, the Cougars play a little bit better however are still unable to really make it competitive at all.
Final Score 35-17 Loss (1-1, not ranked)
Best Case Scenario: The Cougars come into the game with confidence and hungry for a big win against a top 15 team. The defense is able to keep the LSU running game from being dominant and forces LSU to throw. LSU’s quarterback Etling struggles and throws three interceptions. The Cougars are able to capitalize on the turnovers and send the college football world into shock with a convincing win over the Tigers.
Final Score 28-17 Win (2-0, ranked No. 16)