Opponent Tracker: Week 5 Results for BYU's 2012 Football Opponents

As the season progresses, it is becoming more and more apparent that the Brigham Young Cougars have some very good teams they are playing this season, and some really bad teams. It will be interesting in the coming years to see if the level of competition will even out as the Cougars gain some credibility as an FBS independent. As for this season, the next four weeks look pretty tough, then two of the last three games look like cakewalks.

Washington State (2-3): Lost 51-26 to No. 2 Oregon. The Cougars in Crimson probably played their best game of the season. Unfortunately, it came against the No. 2 team in the country, and that was too much to overcome. After being down 20-3 at the end of the first quarter, Washington State fought back to make the halftime score 23-19. Then Oregon got going in the second half and left WAZZU in the dust. Next week, Washington State will have to face another ranked foe in Oregon State.

Next game: No. 14 Oregon State, Oct. 6

Weber State (0-5): Lost 37-13 to UC Davis. UC Davis was regarded as one of the weaker teams in the Big Sky, as they picked up only their second win of the season.  It looks like Weber State might be the weakest team in the Big Sky, however.

Next game: Cal Poly, Oct. 5

Utah (2-2): Bye week, did not play.

Next game: No. 13 USC, Oct. 4

No. 24 Boise State (4-1): Defeated New Mexico, 32-29. After opening up a 25-0 lead at the half, the Broncos got sloppy, fumbling the ball twice and letting the Lobos back in it. New Mexico even had the ball with 3:00 left in the game, but couldn’t score their fifth touchdown of the half to pull off the upset. Boise State is looking less impressive as the season goes on, and even dropped out of the polls after this game. However, they have a relatively soft schedule for the rest of the season, and could finish with just the one loss to Michigan State.

Next game: Southern Miss, Oct. 6

Hawaii (1-3): Lost 47-0 to BYU. The Warriors were shut out for the first time since 1998 and have lost back to back games by over 40 points. It will be interesting to see if they ever get going this season.
Next game: San Diego State, Oct. 6

Utah State (4-1): Won 35-15 over UNLV. Utah State has shown they can play a complete game two weeks in a row.  After all of the double-digit leads they have blown in the last two seasons, it seemed there was a definite chink in their armor. Now, as they get ready to face the Cougars, is the problem fixed?  It should be a very competitive game next week as Gary Anderson’s squad comes south down I-15.

Next game: BYU, Oct. 5

No. 14 Oregon State (3-0): Won 38-35 over Arizona. Oregon State showed its grit for the third straight game to start the season. After wins against ranked Wisconsin and UCLA, this time the Beavers went on the road and scored a game winning touchdown with just over a minute to go and then picked off a pass at midfield just a few plays later. BYU’s Homecoming game, that at the beginning of the season, looked like an almost sure win now has BYU as the underdog.  Now the Beavers are ranked No. 14 and have an almost sure win before they play BYU as they face Washington State next week.

Next game: Washington State, Oct. 6

No. 9 Notre Dame (4-0): Bye week, did not play.

Next game: Miami (FL), Oct. 6

Georgia Tech (2-3): Lost 49-28 to Middle Tennessee. Georgia Tech may be the most confusing team on BYU’s schedule. They stand toe to toe with Virginia Tech and Miami, but lose heartbreakers to them. They pummel Virginia and an FCS opponent. Then they underperformed against Middle Tennessee. This is a game Cougar fans should worry about. You never know what you’re going to get from this team.

Next game: No. 15 Clemson, Oct. 6

Idaho (0-5): Lost 66-0 to North Carolina. Yikes. I was feeling slightly bad for Hawaii losing 47-0 to BYU, and for Arizona losing 49-0 to Oregon last week. But 66-0? Idaho is probably the worst team on BYU’s schedule this year. They will gladly welcome WAC play next week, as their opponents are a little more at their level.

Next game:  New Mexico State, Oct. 6

San Jose State (4-1): Defeated Navy 12-0. San Jose State won the game without scoring any touchdowns. Field goal kicker Austin Lopez kicked four in the game, and is 9 for 9 on the season. The Spartans look like they will compete with Utah State and Louisiana Tech for the WAC championship this season, and could be a much tougher opponent for the Cougars than in years passed.

Next game: Utah State, Oct. 13

New Mexico State (1-4): Lost to UTSA, 35-14. This was UTSA’s first game as not only a member of the WAC, but as a member of the FBS.  New Mexico State welcomed them by rolling out the red carpet and letting the Roadrunners run all over them.  Next week could be the matchup of the week between BYU future opponents, as New Mexico State and Idaho fight to claim the last place spot in the WAC.

Next game: Idaho, Oct. 6

Overall opponents' record: 27-28


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

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