BYU Football: Ranking the games in 2021

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Isaac Rex #83 of the Brigham Young Cougars and Gunner Romney #18 celebrate a touchdown against the Central Florida Knights at FAU Stadium on December 22, 2020 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Isaac Rex #83 of the Brigham Young Cougars and Gunner Romney #18 celebrate a touchdown against the Central Florida Knights at FAU Stadium on December 22, 2020 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 16: Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes of the BYU Cougars reacts in the first half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 16, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 16: Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes of the BYU Cougars reacts in the first half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 16, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

No. 5 Baylor

The Cougars have never traveled to Waco, Texas and this game comes with the bonus of facing former coaches Jeff Grimes and Eric Mateos. Although BYU Football fans aren’t thrilled that both of these guys left Provo, the overall feeling around the move is understanding and supportive (except when playing BYU).

Aside from the connection, Baylor seems like a good measuring stick. The Bears are not a great Power Five team but they are also not at the bottom of their conference normally. Last year they struggled, but 2020 sort of gives a pass to that.  They sort of fit the definition of average which BYU fans like to compare themselves to. If BYU gets blown out in this game, many will see it as a statement that the Cougars aren’t at the “average” P5 level. If they have a close game or get a big win, it will be a strong statement to college football that BYU Football is at a P5 level.

Schedule

Schedule