BYU football isn’t going bowling this year. But there are still plenty of games to keep an eye on if you’re a Cougar fan.
Of course, I am well aware of BYU football not participating in a bowl game. Just because the Cougars are staying home this postseason, doesn’t mean there isn’t anything interesting to watch.
The 2018 schedule has eight teams that will be playing in a bowl these next few weeks.
I also realize their next game isn’t until September 8th. But for most Cougar fans, it’s never too early to scout out the competition for next season. Besides, BYU football needs to beat at least two of these opponents, or it will have the same holiday schedule it has this December.
So let’s take a look at these seven bowl games and the players to watch for that return next season:
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon vs. No. 25 Boise State (12/16 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC)
2018 returners to watch for: RB Alex Mattison (So) leads the Broncos in rushing with 1,103 yards. QB Brett Rypien (Jr) threw for 2,515 yards. LB Leighton Van Esch (Jr) had 129 tackles for BSU this season.
BYU football takes on the Broncos in Boise on November 3 next season.
Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl: West Virginia vs. Utah (12/26 at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)
2018 returners to watch for: QB Tyler Huntley (So) had 2,246 passing yards. RB Zack Moss rushed for 1,064 yards. WR Raelon Singleton (Jr) caught the ball for 479 yards.
The Cougars conclude the season in Salt Lake City on November 24 against the Utes.
Quick Lane Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Duke (12/26 at 5:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
2018 returners to watch for: Spencer Tears (So) led the team with 461 receiving yards. LB Jawuan Johnson (Jr) was third on the team in tackles with 86.
Coach Sitake and his crew host the Huskies on October 27.
Foster Farmers Bowl: Arizona vs. Purdue (12/27 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fox)
2018 returners to watch for: QB Khalil Tate (So) led the offense with 1,353 yards through the air and 1,289 on the ground. RB J.J. Taylor (Fr) added 827 rushing yards as well. WR Shun Brown (Jr) leads the team in receiving with 511 yards. LB Tony Fields II (Fr) was first in tackles for the Wildcats with 91.
The team opens the season in Arizona on September 1.
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: New Mexico State vs. Utah State (12/29 at 5:30 p.m. ET on CBSSN)
2018 returners to watch for: LB Terrill Hanks (Jr.) had 101 tackles for the New Mexico State defense. WR O.J. Clark (So) was second on the team with 492 receiving yards.
WR Ron’quavion Tarver (Jr) led Utah State in receiving yards with 472.
The Cougars play Utah State at home on October 5 and host New Mexico State on November 17.
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: No. 11 Washington vs. No. 9 Penn State (12/30 at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)
2018 returners to watch for: QB Jake Browning (Jr) passed for 2,544 yards. RB Myles Gaskin (Jr) racked up 1,283 yards rushing for UW. TE Hunter Bryant (Fr) was second on the team in receiving with 331 yards. LB Ben Burr-Kirven (Jr) had 79 tackles for the defense.
BYU football travels to Seattle to take on these Huskies on September 29.
Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 10 Miami (12/30 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN)
2018 returners to watch for: RB Jonathon Taylor (Fr) ran for a whopping 1,847 yards this season. QB Alex Hornibrook (So) threw for 2,386 yards. WR Quintez Cephes (So) leads the team with 501 receiving yards. LB Ryan Connelly (Jr) had 80 tackles this year.
The game with the Badgers will be in Madison this season on September 15.