Week one is a fascinating time for College Football. As most power conference schools begin the season by scheduling weaker opponents, some take the opening weekend as a chance to make an early statement. Though some top 25 matchups are already on the schedule, for BYU, a fanbase in the Big 12, some other non-Cougar matchups should grab your attention when they kickoff this Saturday.
Being a member of a conference once again is exciting for BYU fans who had grown accustomed to an independent schedule full of mediocre matchups interrupted by the occasional power conference member. Now, in the Big 12, BYU fans have real reasons to keep an eye on teams from across the nation as they could have an impact on BYU's season from the outside.
So, when the Cougars aren't on the field, which schools should hold your attention? Which week one matchups could hold ramifications for the remainder of BYU's 2024 season, and when should you flip the channel to their game?
Here are 3 Big 12 games that BYU fans should watch for in Week One.
1. Utah vs. Southern Utah
No one is sleeping on Utah this season, and hype surrounding the program seems to be at an all-time high with veteran quarterback, Cam Rising, returning for his 7th and final season in college football (we're almost done with the Covid timelines, and then we'll hopefully return to normalcy). The Utes are the preseason favorites to take home the Big 12 Conference title at season's end, and it's not hard to see why.
For BYU, it's always wise to keep tabs on your biggest rival, and their rivalry with Utah is returning to being a conference matchup for the first time since 2010 when Utah won with a blocked field goal at the end of regulation. In this early matchup, we'll get to see how Rising recovered from his horrible knee injury, and get our first glimpse at the Utes.
Some BYU fans still believe that the Cougars can take down the Utes in their week nine clash, but it all starts in week one.
2. Arizona State vs. Wyoming
This battle should be a week one treat for BYU fans as the Cougars opening game with Southern Illinois will come to a close as this matchup is just getting started. In a matchup with two opponents on BYU's 2024 schedule, this double feature should provide fascinating intel as the Cougars prepare for both teams.
Arizona State is expected to be a weak team in the Big 12 this season, but could exceed expectations. With this game played in Tempe, Wyoming's home winning streak will continue another week, but if the Cowboys have an uninspired week one output, BYU could be licking its chops.
3. Arizona vs. New Mexico
Arizona is coming off an incredible 2023 season, and they're riding that wave into their inaugural year in the Big 12. The Wildcats, led by star QB Noah Fifita, have a high-powered offense and are ranked in the preseason top-25 for a reason.
I believe that Arizona could be an upset candidate when they match up with the Cougars in Provo this season. They have a real shot at the Big 12 crown as the year progresses, and their first game against New Mexico should indicate well how the Wildcats can carry their momentum from last season. Their opponent, New Mexico, lost to FCS Montana State last weekend after giving up 21 points to the Bobcats in the final quarter of action.
As this game plays adjacent to ASU in Tempe, Arizona should win big. Let's see how they introduce themselves to the Big 12.