The anticipation for college football season is high, evidenced by the release of the 2024 Coaches Poll on Monday by USA Today. Brigham Young University (BYU) faces a challenging schedule with five of their upcoming opponents featured in the inaugural rankings.
The poll highlighted several top teams, including:
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Texas
- Alabama
- Ole Miss
- Notre Dame
- Michigan
- Penn State
- Florida State
- Missouri
- LSU
- Utah
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Kansas State
- Oklahoma State
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- Arizona
- NC State
- USC
- Kansas
- Iowa
Bolded teams are BYU’s opponents, showcasing the competitive season ahead for them. Additionally, BYU opponents SMU and UCF also received votes, adding to the stout competition they will face.
Of significant note is that all five Big 12 teams listed in the poll are set to compete against BYU, with games against Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Kansas, and Arizona slated to be held at BYU’s home ground. Hosting these games presents a favorable opportunity for BYU, much in contrast to their previous season where challenging games predominantly occurred away from home.
BYU’s season kickoff against Southern Illinois at home should provide a strong start, anticipated to be a win for BYU. BYU’s home advantage continues as they host Kansas State in their Big 12 opener after some initial road games. This matchup at home marks the beginning of what appears to be the season’s toughest seven-game stretch, including games against Baylor, Arizona, Oklahoma State, UCF, Utah, and Kansas.
Achievement in these home games, especially securing victories in at least two of them, could be crucial for BYU to meet bowl eligibility criteria, mirroring the importance of their home game performance outlined for the season.
