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
3 of 5
Next
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos throws against the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos throws against the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

7. UMass

Why it’s high as it is: BYU plays a lot of games this season in either the Mountain Time Zone or Pacific Time Zone, meaning that east coasters won’t watch a lot of BYU Football. This game will be the opportunity for BYU players to prove to NFL scouts on the other side of the country that they are ready for the next level.

Also, if BYU is having a good season and has only 2-3 losses at this point, this game could give the Cougars a chance to find themselves in on the doorstep of the Top 25.

Why it’s not higher: UMass was a better team last year than their record showed. They stayed competitive with Mississippi State, nearly beat Tennessee and put up 30 or more points six times last season. The problem they have is stopping teams from scoring. BYU’s offense should be more productive this season, so the Cougars should be able to pick up a win here.

6. New Mexico State

Why it’s as high as it is: New Mexico State is now an Independent team and in a position to be seen as the second best indy team behind Notre Dame. When it comes to being considered a Power Five opponent for other teams’ scheduling, BYU can’t afford to be viewed as a lesser team than New Mexico State.

Why it’s not higher: One game honestly will not damage the college football’s view of BYU being a legitimate opponent for P5 teams. However, a loss would put a dent going forward. And BYU is already viewed as an on-the-fence team for being considered a P5-caliber team.

5. Boise State

Why it’s as high as it is: Boise State is really good, and this matchup has brought some really good games. The Mangum Miracle 2 is still possibly the most entertaining game that BYU has played in the last decade. Another great moment was the goal line stop in 2012.

Why it’s not higher: This game is turning into a real rivalry, but there is one thing keeping it from really taking off.

Boise State leads the series 4-2 since the Cougars became Independent. Granted, most teams can’t claim to have beaten Boise State twice in the last six years, but the rivalry still needs a bit more balance before this becomes a really big game.

Home/BYU Football