BYU Football: Ranking the 2018 Schedule

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PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 16: General exterior view of LaVell Edwards Stadium prior to the game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Brigham Young Cougars on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

Sometimes the best team on a schedule isn’t the biggest game of the year. For BYU Football in 2018, this is definitely the case.

Normally when looking at a schedule, the most important games are against teams that are ranked or are rivals. In a normal season this is true for BYU Football, but 2018 is different.

This season, the most important games are the games that the Cougars aren’t supposed to win, but need to pull off to get back to their winning ways. Obviously as the season goes on, the importance of these games will change, but as of right now, here is my take on what the game rankings are.

12. Hawaii

Why it’s as high as it is: Because BYU plays a game against Hawaii

Why it’s not higher: This game is a perfect example of a game that should be an easy win for the Cougars. Last season, down multiple players and without any hopes of making a bowl game, the Cougars beat the Rainbow Warriors 30-20. There is no reason to believe that margin won’t be larger this season in Provo.

11. McNeese State

Why it’s as high as it is: This game comes at a crucial time of the season. It is very possible that BYU will be 0-3 or 1-2. If the Cougars fall behind early, this could be a painful game similar to UMass last season.

McNeese State held 5 of their final 7 opponents under 10 points last season, showing that the Cowboys can play good defense.

Why it’s not higher: Although McNeese State has a stout defense, if BYU loses this game it probably means this season is irrelevant. If BYU wins this game, it means they did what they were supposed to.

Either way, this game doesn’t mean a lot.

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