The BYU Cougars are inching closer to their opening weekend at LaVell Edwards Stadium every day, and with each passing hour arrives a handful of questions. Can the team win enough to earn bowl eligibility? Will Kalani Sitake find a winning formula for Big 12 play? Will they ever decide on a starting quarterback?
In the Big 12 Conference, BYU has a gauntlet ahead of them in their 2024 football schedule. Ranked opponents and College Football Playoff contenders litter their in-season slate, and their non-conference schedule has few gimmes too. To build a winning culture at BYU, head coach Kalani Sitake will need to win tough games. It's a simple concept, but proper execution may be challenging for the rebuilding Cougs.
The life of a football fan can be a tumultuous one, and that may be more true for BYU fans in particular. But with no hopes for a playoff berth or even a conference title, can BYU fans just sit back in their recliners and become complacent to a losing football team for a year? Absolutely not.
Every season is full of surprises, and every week hosts a major upset in the modern age of college football. Just think back to some of the major shockers BYU has been the beneficiary of over the years. The top 10 win over Wisconsin, the Taysom Hill drubbing of Texas (both times), the top 10 win over Baylor, even last year, when the Cougs went to Arkansas and silenced the Razorbacks are all reminders of what BYU football could be. This year, BYU has an obligation to deliver exciting football, and I believe they can.
So, with the schedule set and the stadium lights in LaVell's house warming up, which games should fans get hyped for? If you can only catch a handful of games live this season, which dates should you circle for canceling family plans in favor of a date with your flatscreen? Here are four key games for the BYU Cougars this season.
1. Game 2 @ SMU - September 6, 2024
The second game of the season will be the Cougars' first test against power conference competition. SMU is entering their first season in the ACC, and surprisingly they make more sense geographically than the other two schools joining them in their move--Stanford and Cal.
That aside, SMU is a legit team this season and will not be an easy win. ESPN's FPI projects this game against SMU will be BYU's toughest on the schedule. With talent stuffing their roster and preseason respect from the AP Poll, SMU will be a serious challenge--especially in Dallas. If the Cougars can win this matchup, they'll be starting their season on the right foot and carrying momentum from the beginning of the year.
2. Game 6 vs. Arizona - October 12, 2024
Arizona is a very good football team, and not the first BYU will face in 2024, but its position on BYU's schedule makes this game stand out. With two conference games under their belt, the Cougars come into this home game fresh off a bye week. With rest and additional preparation, the Cougars could fly out of a cannon to start this game.
On the other side, Arizona will be in their fourth conference game of the season, having already challenged Kansas State and Utah--both games being away games for the Wildcats. Arizona is a talented team for certain, but could be slightly worn down after battling through a front-loaded conference schedule. If this is the case, BYU could be in prime position to pounce.
3. Game 9 @ Utah - November 9, 2024
Years removed from the last clash between these two teams, the Utes will be hungry to settle the score (and will definitely be favored to do just that). Though the Utes are the better team on paper, rivalry games are never a guaranteed win, no matter how lopsided the odds.
Of course, calling the matchup at Utah a "must-win" game for BYU wouldn't be sincere, and to expect a win would be insincere. If the Cougars can make some noise and rattle the Big 12 favorites, though, this iteration of the Holy War could propel the Cougars into a winning record with the wind at their backs in the tail end of the year.
4. Game 10 vs. Kansas - November 16, 2024
The Kansas Jayhawks may be the surprise team of the Big 12 this football season. After being the joke of the conference on the gridiron for years, Kansas is a legitimate contender for the conference title behind the brilliant QB play of Jalon Daniels.
This game will likely be the Cougars' final matchup against a true Big 12 power, as they'll finish their season against ASU and Houston in weeks 11 and 12. Keeping that in mind, BYU will be giving this game the biggest chunk of attention at the tail end of the year. A home matchup against Kansas could be the final stamp on a successful year.