Lawless Republic
Fansided

BYU Football: Ranking the 2018 Schedule

By Adam Gibby

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Derrick Tindal #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates an interception during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Derrick Tindal #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates an interception during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

10. Northern Illinois

Why it’s as high as it is: This game is a perfect example of a possible trap game. Northern Illinois in the last decade has been a really good team and has a been to a BCS bowl game, something that BYU can’t claim. This game will be key for the Cougars in getting to a bowl game, so BYU needs to stay focused.

Why it’s not higher: This game although very important, does not have any history. The Huskies are also going to be playing with nearly no experience from last year, so if the Cougars prepare right for this game they should win.

9. Wisconsin

Why it’s as high as it is: This will be a good “apples to apples” comparison for BYU. The defense had its worst game (ever?) of the season against the Badgers, so this game will be an opportunity for the Cougars to show that they’ve improved.

Does that mean get the win? No, but if the Cougars can keep the Badgers under 30 points, that would be a win for the defense, especially considering it’s in Madison this time around.

Why it’s not higher:I will never, ever say that BYU has lost a game before it starts, but this game is about as close as it gets. Wisconsin is basically returning everyone from a team that embarrassed BYU in Provo last season. Although comparing the two years will be interesting, this is a game that may be better to be seen on a stat sheet after the game.

8. Washington

Why it’s as high as it is: Maybe it is just me, but I have so much respect for Chris Peterson. What he did at Boise State was amazing, and it really brought a lot of respect to the Group of Five schools.

That being said, Washington could be overlooking BYU. The Huskies will be right in the middle of Pac-12 play when the Cougars come to town. If the Cougars pull a few fast scores, who knows what could happen.

Why it’s not higher: The likelihood is that like Wisconsin, Washington will be just too much for the Cougars. BYU and Washington don’t really have a history either, so there won’t be any rivalry feeling to the game. The only reason it’s above Wisconsin is because it’s a matchup against at PAC-12 team.

Home/BYU Football