BYU has lofty dreams and aspirations, and the first step to reproducing last season’s success is less than a week away. The Cougars are set to open the 2021 season against Arizona Sept. 4 in Las Vegas, at the Allegiant Stadium.
Reasons to hope
• The Cougars seem to have found the heir apparent to Zach Wilson in Jaren Hall. Hall saw success in 2019 as Wilson’s backup quarterback but had issues with injuries. With more than a year off to recover and work on his body, Hall is ready to lead the Cougars now.
• The defense has been a Top 25 defense three of the last four years. This year’s group may look a bit greener than usual, but defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki has said he expects to not see a big drop-off in production entering this season and hopes to produce another top defense.
• Just about every position in the offense is ridiculously loaded. The running back, wide receiver, tight end and even quarterback room are more than just two-deep. With the amount of depth available, the Cougars will be able to adjust against opposing defenses to get in the end zone often.
Cause for concern
• The schedule is even more jam-packed than in recent years, and particularly so compared to last season. With so many tough games, the Cougars will have to make sure to stay healthy and not succumb to injuries.
• Tuiaki may feel this year’s defense is locked and loaded, but the Cougars will have to make sure to stop the run to be successful. If the BYU defense struggles in that area, it could prove costly.
• Although BYU is currently set to play its full schedule, the pandemic (and rising cases in Utah, as well as all over the nation) will continue to be a threat.
BYU’s football’s 2021 schedule at a glance
• Sept. 4, Arizona, 8:30 p.m. in Las Vegas
Last game: BYU 28, Arizona 23 (Sept. 1, 2018)
The Wildcats are coming off a 0-5 record that led to a complete coaching staff change. Arizona suffered its worse loss at the hands of in-state rival Arizona State, 70-7. With new coach Jedd Fisch at the helm, the Wildcats are looking to rebound in 2021, starting in Las Vegas, in the new Allegiant Stadium, against BYU.
• Sept. 11, Utah, 8:15 p.m.
Last game: Utah 30, BYU 12 (Aug. 29, 2019)
Due to the pandemic, the rivalry game between Utah and BYU was canceled last year as the Pac-12 opted to play a conference-only schedule. The Utes were only able to play five of their eight conference games in 2020, ending on a three-game win streak. Earlier this week, the Utes announced Charlie Brewer (a Baylor transfer) won the QB competition and will lead Utah.
• Sept. 18, Arizona State, 8:15 p.m.
Last game: BYU 26, Arizona State 6 (Sept. 12, 1998)
The Sun Devils are currently in the middle of an NCAA investigation due to ASU’s alleged violations during a COVID-19 recruiting dead period. It is unclear how the ongoing investigation will affect the season, but three coaches have already been put on administrative leave. With the season set to start, it seems Arizona State will be without multiple on-field coaches.
• Sept. 25, South Florida, TBA
Last game: USF 27, BYU 23 (Oct. 12, 2019)
The last time BYU faced the Bulls, it was far from the outcome the Cougars would have liked. South Florida spoiled a fourth-quarter BYU lead and starter Jaren Hall (who was filling in for season-starter Zach Wilson) was pulled out with an injury, leading to third-string QB Baylor Romney taking over for the last few plays. The Cougars are bound to want to avenge their loss from two years ago.
• Oct. 1, at Utah State, 7 p.m.
Last game: BYU 42, Utah State 14 (Nov. 2, 2019)
In 2019, BYU was able to snap a two-game losing streak against Utah State and reclaim the Wagon Wheel — a trophy they’ve managed to hold onto for two years thanks to the pandemic. The Aggies struggled last year, presumably due to the loss of star quarterback Jordan Love, and finished the 2020 season with a 1-5 record. An in-state rivalry win would certainly help boost the Aggies back to the success they had two years ago.
• Oct. 9, Boise State, TBA
Last game: BYU 51, Boise State 17 (Nov. 6, 2020)
The Cougars had, arguably, one of their biggest win of the 2020 season at Boise State. It was the first time since the programs started playing each other in 2003 that BYU has won two straight contests. The Cougars will look to make it a three-game win streak come October when they host the Broncos.
• Oct. 16, at Baylor, TBA
Last game: BYU 47, Baylor 13 (Sept. 8, 1984)
The Bears are with a new quarterback after Brewer not only transferred, but won the starting gig at Utah. However, Baylor’s offense is now under new leadership, and one BYU fans will remember well: Jeff Grimes. The former BYU offensive coordinator left this past offseason for the same position in the Big 12, and took offensive line coach Eric Mateos with him.
• Oct. 23, at Washington State, TBA
Last game: BYU 30, Washington State 6 (Aug. 30, 2012)
As of Thursday morning, Washington State had yet to name its starting quarterback, but the competition is now down to two: Jayden de Laura and Tennessee transfer Jarrett Guaranto. But regardless of who takes the snaps at the start of the season, the Cougars are at risk of losing coach Nick Rolovich. The head coach is in the middle of a showdown with state officials, who have issued a mandate for higher education employees to be vaccinated by mid-October. Rolovich has yet to get vaccinated or show proof of religious or health exemption.
• Oct. 30, Virginia, TBA
Last game: BYU 41, Virginia 33 (Sept. 20, 2014)
Besides the return of the rivalry game against Utah, this may be the game BYU fans are most excited to have in Provo this year — the return of Bronco Mendenhall. The former Cougar coach left Provo to lead the Cavaliers’ program in 2015. This is the first game of a two-for-one agreement that was penned before Mendenhall left BYU for Virginia.
• Nov. 6, Idaho State, 1 p.m.
Last game: BYU 42, Idaho State 10 (Nov. 16, 2019)
Instead of playing last fall, the Bengals played their 2020 season in the spring of this year. The results: a 2-4 record. The Bengals led in the fourth quarter in the last three games of the season, but were unable to hold on for the win. It was not the outcome Idaho State was hoping for and then had a quick turnaround period to get ready for the 2021 season.
• Nov. 20, at Georgia Southern, 2 p.m.
Last game: First meeting
The Cougars and Eagles have never met before. In fact, only one BYU sport (women’s volleyball) has played against Georgia Southern before, and that was back in 2011. But the lack of history between both programs shouldn’t affect the Cougars, who a year ago took on multiple programs with whom they had no history and got ready for a game at one point with just a few days of preparation.
• Nov. 27, at USC, TBA
Last game: BYU 30, USC 27 (Sept. 14, 2019)
The last time the Cougars faced the Trojans was in an exciting upset. BYU pulled off a 30-27 overtime victory in LaVell Edwards Stadium that led to fans storming the field. It served as the highlight of an otherwise average season that ended with a 7-6 record. Usually, through the independence era, BYU tends to play its toughest competition first, but this season will close out the regular season with its seventh and final Power Five opponent.
