Early Predictions for 2009: BYU Cougars

Most would love to have a 10-3 record, but for BYU, when there were hopes for a BCS bid and a third straight conference title, a 10-win season was not enough.

BYU should have the offense even with the loss of wideout Austin Collie, but it was their defense that held them down. A BCS bid is unlikely unless they are able to go undefeated, which would require them beating Oklahoma in Dallas, or not get embarrassed and go 11-1.

9-5-09	vs. Oklahoma @ Arlington, TX L
9-12-09	at Tulane W
9-19-09	FLORIDA STATE W
10-2-09	UTAH STATE W
TBA	TCU L
TBA	COLORADO STATE W
TBA	AIR FORCE W
TBA	UTAH L
TBA	at Wyoming W
TBA	at New Mexico W
TBA	at San Diego State W
TBA	at UNLV W

Oklahoma: They return Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, but lost four offensive linemen.

Tulane: Ended the season on an eight-game losing streak and only averaged 16.7 points per game.

Florida State: They flirted in and out of the top 25 and finished the second half of the year at 3-3.

Utah State: The Aggies have a new coach in former Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen.

TCU: Jerry Hughes and a few others from TCU's defense are back to try to duplicate their 2008 performance.

Colorado State: The Rams need to break in a new running back and try to find a replacement for tight end Kory Sperry.

Air Force: The Falcons have experience this year and could cause some trouble.

Utah: Their defense should be just as good as last year's with nine starters back.

Wyoming: The new coach will try to run a spread attack.

New Mexico: They also have a new coach who will try to spruce up the offense.

San Diego State: They have solid quarterback in Ryan Lindley, but that is about it.

UNLV: With a quarterback firmly in place, but they lose their top receiver from 2008.

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