The Brigham Young Cougars Have Been Down This Road Before

The Brigham Young Cougars are 4-5. BYU needs to win at least two of its last three games to avoid a losing record and to qualify for a bowl. The final three games on the schedule, in order, are at Colorado State, at home versus New Mexico, and at Utah. One opponent is done for the year (New Mexico), one opponent is trying to salvage the season (Colorado State). The other opponent is near the top of the Mountain West Conference (MWC) standings. Deja-vu? You bet. BYU has been down this road before.

Ten years ago, BYU had an identical 4-5 record after nine games. The final three games in 2000 were at Colorado State, against New Mexico at home, and at Utah. That year, the Rams were the ones at the top of the MWC, and the Lobos were trying to salvage their season. The Utes, you could stick a fork in them.

BYU was just as disappointed with the 2000 season as they are the 2010 campaign for many of the same reasons. The BYU offense struggled as they tried to replace a three year starter at quarterback. Injuries on defense hurt that unit's ability to stop teams.

The 2000 squad won two of those final three games (New Mexico and Utah) to end the LaVell Edwards Era on a positive note. During the offseason, the returning players built on the momentum that they gained from those two wins to propel them to a 12-0 start as they embarked on a new era in BYU football the following year.

Other recent posts on BYU FOOTBALL TALK:
Thursday Trivia: Beginning and Ending With A Win
Breaking Down Jake Heaps' Breakout Game
Flashback: BYU 35, San Diego State 28 (1994)
Poll Results: Should BYU Play Another QB
Game Recap: Brigham Young Cougars 55, UNLV Rebels 7
Game Preview: Brigham Young Cougars vs. UNLV Rebels

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