NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Utah safety Brandon McKinney (28) and linebacker Hayden Furey apply pressure to BYU quarterback Jaren Hall at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. The Utes and Cougars meet this year in Salt Lake City. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
It has been difficult the last few seasons for the BYU Cougars to circle a football game on their calendar as the most important contest of the year.
That’s because the rival Utah Utes haven’t been on it since 2021, leaving opponents such as Notre Dame, Texas, Baylor, Oregon, Utah State or Boise State to receive that designation, depending upon one’s interests or background.
Utah joining the Big 12 this year changes all that, obviously. There’s no doubt that in 2024 BYU’s biggest game — barring postseason play — will be on Nov. 9, when the Cougars travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
BYU will take on the Utes for the first time since that 26-17 streak-snapping victory on Sept. 10, 2021, the day after BYU received an invitation to join the Big 12.
That will not only be the most-anticipated game on BYU’s 2024 schedule — it almost certainly will be the most difficult. Utah has been picked to win the Big 12 in its inaugural season in the 16-team conference, and is No. 13 in the USA Today Coaches Poll that was released Monday.
The Associated Press Preseason Top 25 will be released next week.
It was apparent at the Big 12 football media days in Las Vegas last month that the Cougars consider the Utah game the biggest on their schedule, as receiver Chase Roberts, offensive lineman Connor Pay, defensive back Jakob Robinson and defensive end Tyler Batty all mentioned the rivalry game as the one they are looking forward to the most.
Another receiver, Darius Lassiter, said Kansas’ visit on Nov. 16 is “extra” significant to him because, of…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-byu-12-football-games-224817505.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-08-07 22:48:17
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
