BYU beat writers talk about BCS hype

The letters may be different, but right now they seem joined at the hip. BYU and the BCS is the talk of the summer for Cougar fans. Even across the nation, gridiron prognosticators are talking about the Cougs as this year's non-BCS darling, the 2008 version of Hawaii ('07), Boise State ('06) or Utah ('04).
But what do those who know best think about BYU's BCS-busting plans?
This week I had the chance to ask BYU football beat writers Jeff Call of the Deseret Morning News and Darnell Dickson of the Daily Herald about the BCS hype. There responses may surprise.
"As for the BYU-BCS hype, right now, it's just that -- hype," said Call. "This program has to prove it can win on the road early in the season and the Cougars have a big test at Washington. BYU has never won there, so it will be tough. Games at TCU and Utah will be difficult as well."
And even if a certain foe isn't all that formidable, there's another aspect that makes the schedule that much tougher. "Everyone will be gunning for BYU," said Call.
Said Dickson: "As a BYU fan, I want to believe. As a journalist, I know I can't go overboard. I think the schedule is set up well and the offense should be unstoppable. But the secondary is largely untested and that's a big question mark in my mind."
While talk of an undefeated season in prevalent during these long summer days, both Call and Dickson have words of caution for Cougar fans.
"Can BYU really go undefeated in the MWC three straight seasons with road games at Utah, TCU and Air Force?" Dickson asked.
Indeed, three straight years of 8-0 in the MWC is a tall order for any team, especially with the toughest games away from LaVell Edwards Stadium. As for a 12-0 mark heading into bowl season, Call had a well-grounded reminder.
"There's a reason why BYU has only had one undefeated season -- because it's tough to do," he said. "In any event, it should be a fun season."