As the summer progresses, I'm ready for the next college football season. The most exciting aspect is BYU's first season in the Big 12. I don't have huge hopes for the Cougars, but I would like to watch how they compete against a season full of P5 schools. The Penn State schedule is not that exciting. It's static for the most part. So, I won't be writing about it. Here's the 2023-24 schedule for the Cougars:
There are some cupcake games on there. My colleagues and I have been speculating how well BYU could do this upcoming season.
The most likely wins
The first two games should be relatively easy for BYU. If they can't win against Sam Houston and Southern Utah, they should give up for the season.
Kansas should be an easy win, but I would never underestimate BYU's ability to lose games in their favor. The Cougars may beat them in football, but I expect the Jayhawks to repay the favor by annihilating us in basketball later.
The toss-ups
I am willing to put Texas Tech, Texas, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Oklahoma on this list.
Texas and Oklahoma are having their last season in the Big 12. May BYU give them a black eye. The long-time members, particularly Oklahoma, had a lackluster season last year.
As for West Virginia, I'll see how I feel about them after their game against Penn State. Long-distant travel tends to be more detrimental for the away team. BYU will have to travel across the country to play against the Mountaineers.
The reason why I put Texas Tech here is because they've been on the rise. They have not been a football powerhouse, but I'm not optimistic about BYU's chances.
Oh, Iowa State is just Iowa State. They aren't anything special and it would be funny if the Cougars trounce them. The Cyclone fans have been obnoxious and insufferable to the Cougar Nation. It's only right they should suffer defeat.
Abandon Hope
I don't think the Cougars will have a chance against the following: Arkansas, Cincinnati, TCU, and Oklahoma State.
It's a shame BYU has to face TCU after the Horned Frogs shocked everyone with their performance last season. I could say the same about Oklahoma State. I wouldn't mess with Cincinnati since their recent track record has been pretty good.
Once again, I doubt BYU could beat Arkansas. The Razorbacks only look bad because they play against some of the best teams in the country. They've given the Cougars beatdowns every time recently. Some deluded fans thought the altitude of Utah would do them in, but it was not even close. I foresee a disaster.
The Verdict
In the best-case scenario, I think BYU can manage another 7-6 season. That would require them to beat three of the five schools I listed in the Toss-ups section and win the bowl game. It's definitely not impossible, but it's an uphill battle.
The more conservative prediction is a 5-7, or worse, season. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cougars go 3-9 for the season. It'll be sad, but that is the price of joinng a P5 league before a decent team has risen from new recruits.
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