BYU Football: Did you know? (2018 Season Opener)

BYU running back Jamaal Williams had 172 total yards against Arizona in 2016. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

Looking at the BYU Cougars 2018 football schedule and seeing Arizona as the first opponent for the second time in three seasons brings back memories of other seasons in recent memory that the Wildcats were BYU's opening game. That also got the wheels spinning in my head wondering which school BYU has played the most often to open the season?

Did you know that Arizona is, in fact, the school BYU has played most often in season openers?

This year will be the seventh time the Wildcats have been the Cougars' season opening opponent. Here's the complete list of the first six games with the final outcome.

1936: L BYU 6, Arizona 32
1957: T BYU 14, Arizona 14
1959: W BYU 18, Arizona 14
2006: L BYU 13, Arizona 16
2007: W BYU 20, Arizona 7
2016: W BYU 18, Arizona 16

Thanks to wins in the last two season-opening meetings, BYU holds a winning record in these games, 3-2-1.

Other popular season opening opponents are:

• Montana State, 5 times (1923, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1941),
• Colorado State, 4 times (1925, 1927, 1969, 1973),
• Kansas State, 4 times (1963, 1972, 1976, 1977), and
• New Mexico, 5 times (1954, 1967, 1980, 1989, 1993).

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com