BYU Football to play in contest of ranked teams for 27th time

No. 20 BYU Football finds itself in a rare match-up of ranked college football teams this coming Saturday against the No. 11  Washington Huskies.

In its long illustrious history, BYU Football has played in only 26 games where both opponents were ranked.  Such meetings are special occasions that are quite rare.  These events are ones that should be savored by each member of Cougar Nation.

To illustrate just how rare, since 1977 when BYU football first played in one of these games, there are only 17 seasons where match-ups of this category even took place. Multiple games happened in the same seasons several times.

Here are a few examples of these memorable moments:

• September 5, 2009 – No. 3 Oklahoma was upset by No. 24 BYU.
• January 1, 1997 – No. 5 BYU defeated No. 14 Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl.
• September 8, 1990 – No. 1 Miami lost to No. 16 BYU.

Games like these aren’t easily forgotten.

Tilts at the Top

In 40 seasons, 23 of those years were missing what fans will be able to enjoy this Saturday when No. 20 BYU takes on No. 11 Washington.  The opportunity is both exciting and validating at many levels.

Just being in a position to play in such a game says a lot about the football program’s course.  It’s a testament that independence is working, providing a path to relevance in the current college football landscape.  It also proves that the scheduling philosophy allows for some forgiveness from voters despite early losses.

Victories in games featuring two ranked opponents are also hard to come by.  The Cougars have a combined 13-13 record over the years when both they and their opponent are in the Top 25.

Bring on the Huskies

They’ll need their best to get a 14th such win against a very talented Husky team that averages 27.3 points and 432.5 yards in total offense, while holding the competition to only 12.8 points per game.

If the Cougars can beat Washington, they’ll no doubt surpass their highest ranking as an independent (No. 18 in 2014) and enter into the conversation of a New Year’s Six invite.  Just the thought of this possibility gets the blood pumping for any Cougar fan.

To have a chance to beat the Huskies, BYU football will have to be at its best.   Head coach Kalani Sitake is not only excited about the chance, but optimistic that his players can do just that.

On BYU football with Kalani Sitake , he stated, ” I can’t wait. It’s going to be a lot of fun.  A great opponent and Washington is a great program. I respect them a bunch and admire what they do as coaches and as a program …  I’m looking forward to our guys playing their best game this Saturday.”

If that happens, look for the Cougars to have a good shot at another marquee win in program history.  Even if it doesn’t, this opportunity for to watch two top teams square off should still be relished by onlookers.

Games like this don’t happen everyday, so enjoy it!