Poll Results: Should BYU be ranked in the pre-season AP or USA Today Top 25?


In a few weeks when the pre-season Top 25 rankings debut, the Brigham Young Cougars should be one of those top teams according to 57 percent of voters in last week’s poll. Another 37 percent of voters felt the opposite and voted that BYU should not be ranked in the major pre-season polls. The remaining six percent of voters were undecided.

If I had a ballot for either the AP or USA Today Top 25, BYU would be on it.

I understand the dilemma that probably caused 43 percent of voters to not vote “Yes.” BYU barely found its way into just the USA Today top 25 last season with a 10-3 record. The reason being BYU did not beat the three best teams on its schedule. None of these three teams were superior to BYU. With four, possibly five, “toss up” games on the schedule in 2012, BYU will not have a good enough record to be a top 25 team if the pattern from 2011 continues.

BYU returns its top three receivers, three of its top four rushers, an experienced quarterback, three offensive linemen, several experienced tight ends. On defense, BYU returns its top five leading tacklers and nine of the projected starters have significant playing experience. This season is the last shot for 29 Cougar seniors.

For me, my vote came down to the character of the players. Sure, the schedule is more daunting this year, but a team with the composition just described would have to have little character to not be better than last year. When I look at the players on the BYU roster, I see enough character to not repeat the disappointments of 2011, which should earn them a top 25 ranking. 

Thank you to everyone who voted. Don't forget to vote in this week's poll: "Which BYU tight end will have the best season?"

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

Comments