BYU Football: Biggest Upset Dangers for the Cougars in 2013

Despite months separating the present and the start of the season, we've already looked at the 2013 BYU football schedule numerous times. There are several games on the slate that are expected to be fairly easy wins, but among those are games in which the Cougars could face an upset.

To diminish any confusions, an upset is any game where the favored team loses. In this case, we don't know exactly what games BYU will be predicted to win or lose, but we can guess. The teams on this list are ones that I think the Cougs will be favored to win, but could also lose.

So, here are five teams that could provide BYU with a potential upset.

Virginia

Virginia has won three straight season-opening games and has won three straight home openers. The Cavaliers may have struggled in recent years (they have posted a record below .500 in three of the last four seasons), but there is no reason to count them out.

UVa returns their leading receiver and rusher in Darius Jennings and Kevin Parks, and although the quarterback situation is still up in the air, 61,500 fans in Scott Stadium won't let a Cougar win come easily.

Utah State

Utah State may never become a bitter rival to the Cougars like Utah is, but they will still provide competition for BYU. Although Gary Andersen left USU for Wisconsin after last season, the Aggies will still be a good team, led by veteran QB Chuckie Keeton.

BYU will play Utah State in Logan, so it adds to the likelihood of an upset. Although the Cougars have pulled off a win in the last two meetings, it will be a close game for the Cougs.

Houston

Houston may not have Case Keenum taking snaps anymore, but they will still be a solid team in 2013. They struggled last season without the record-setting quarterback, but return maturing gunslinger David Piland and a solid running back in Charles Sims.

Despite a dismal record last season, UH still managed to be a top-15 team in passing offense. With this game being on the road, also, it could leave the Cougars (of BYU) in danger of an upset. 

Nevada

Tom Holmoe and BYU pulled off a scheduling beauty with a season-closing game in star linebacker Kyle Van Noy's hometown (Reno, Nev.), and although it isn't a WAC game like we've seen in recent Novembers, it is still a winnable contest.

Unfortunately, it's not that winnable.

Sure, the Cougars are bound to be the heavy favorites in this one, but the Wolf Pack return one of the nation's premier dual-threat quarterbacks in Cody Fajardo and a solid rushing attack led by Stefphon Jefferson. Although Nevada may not be a great team, it should be a fun game to watch.