No. 5 UCF* vs Oklahoma
Tougher Game: Oklahoma
UCF was one game that I was shocked not to see on the released schedule in 2023 since it was a built in conference game already. However, since it wasn’t we have a comparison. I don’t think the 2023 version of UCF is going to make much noise in the Big 12, however a AAC UCF could have been pretty dang good and circled this game as a late season statement game. Playing in the Bounce House would have been hard for BYU, especially so late in the season.
Not as difficult as Oklahoma.
Oklahoma coming to Provo is a dream come true for Cougar Nation, but it is far from a guaranteed win. The Sooners should be improved from last season and realistically could be the best team in the conference. The big edge BYU has here is that is it late November and LES will be rocking in their first big senior night in awhile.
No. 4 Virginia* vs Arkansas
Tougher Game: Virginia
Going on the road to Virginia following a game against Tennessee would be a tough ask for BYU Football. Even though Arkansas is probably better than Virginia, I like the Cougars’ chances against the Razorbacks for two reasons; first, the Cougars already faced KJ Jefferson and the Hogs and know their style, and second, BYU has two warm up games before this game as opposed to playing the Volunteers first.
Again, I’m not picking BYU to win either of these games, but the scenario around the Arkansas game feels a lot more manageable.