Fear factor: BYU football 2008

The 2008 BYU football season is just more than two months away. In an effort to help slake your summer thirst for Cougar football, here's a look at each game of the upcoming season, including the "Fear Factor" presented by each contest. Of course, as the favorite hymn states, "fear departs, when faith endures." So The Cougar Zone also offers you reasons "Why Faith Endures" for each game this fall as well as a prediction.
Enjoy. And your comments and predictions are welcome.

Aug. 30 BYU vs. Northern Iowa (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: The Panthers were the No. 1-ranked and top-seeded team in FCS entering the postseason last year. They finished 12-1, falling to Delaware in the FCS quarterfinals. Playing in the always tough (and newly renamed) Missouri Valley Football Conference, Northern Iowa returns outstanding offensive players in running back Corey Lewis and receiver Johnny Gray. Their speed at the skill positions will be a challenge to deal with.
Why faith endures: For all their talents, the Panthers are an FCS team. They also have to replace one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history in Eric Sanders. While Northern Iowa will be better than Eastern Washington was in 2007, the Panthers just won't have the size to matchup in the trenches against BYU's outstanding offensive and defensive lines.
Prediction: BYU's offense hits the ground running, literally, as Harvey Unga, Fui Vakapuna and company lead the way. BYU 48, Northern Iowa 10.

Sept. 6 BYU at Washington (FSN)

Fear Factor: The Huskies, and fourth-year head coach Tyrone Willingham will be desperate for a win after likely losing at Oregon in Week 1. Washington will give BYU's defense trouble with the mobility of sophomore QB Jake Locker. Sophomore receiver D'Andre Goodwin showed promised as a freshman and could hurt BYU's inexperienced secondary. Home-field advantage at Husky Stadium also gives UW some help.
Why faith endures: Washington is in rebuilding mode along the defensive front, and offseason injuries have hindered the Husky cause. BYU's balance on offense should prove pivotal as the Cougars will move the ball.
Prediction: BYU's new faces at linebacker and in the secondary will have to play a whale of a game to limit Locker, but if that happens, the Cougars survive a tough one. BYU 27, Washington 23.

Sept. 13 BYU vs. UCLA (Versus)

Fear factor: The Bruins are plenty familiar with BYU. Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker's defense held BYU to 17 points in both contests last year -- 13 below the Cougars' season average. The addition of Norm Chow as offensive coordinator makes this game that much tougher. New head coach Rick Neuheisel should breath enthusiam and energy into UCLA's camp.
Why faith endures: Players ultimately win games, and while UCLA's coaches should have a great game plan, they may not have the players to carry that plan out. The Bruins are a mess at quarterback, where injuries have taken a toll. Khalil Bell, who hurt BYU from his RB spot last year, is coming off knee surgery and likely won't be his former self. All-American defensive end Bruce Davis is gone along with five other starters on defense.
Prediction: BYU and UCLA split in 2007. But neither of those games was played at LaVell Edwards Stadium. That edge, plus BYU's superior offense, will be the story. BYU 24, UCLA 17

Sept. 20 BYU vs. Wyoming (The Mtn.)

Fear Factor: BYU's 35-10 win at Wyoming last November came when the Cowboys were in a tail-spin that saw a 4-1 start turn into a 5-7 nightmare. But the Pokes have talent. Quarterback Karsten Sween and running backs Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon can wrack up yards and points. Wyoming also has 15 starters back, including the entire offensive line and seven first-teamers on a defense that was solid until late last season.
Why faith endures: BYU is at home. BYU is better at almost every spot. It'll be competitive early, but BYU will be too strong over fourth quarters.
Prediction: The Cougars roll to 1-0 in Mountain West play. BYU 38, Wyoming 17.

Oct. 3 BYU at Utah State (TV TBA)

Fear factor: If BYU's bus crashes going up the canyon to Logan, the Cougars could be in trouble. A save arrival means a lot of PT for the Y's third-stringers.
Why faith endures: Utah State is a bad football team. A 2-10 squad in 2007, the Aggies lost some of the few players who provided bright spots last fall. USU is one of the worst teams at the FBS level and that will be clear all night.
Prediction: A nice warm up for conference weekend. BYU 42, USU 13.

Oct.11 BYU vs. New Mexico (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: Two words: Donovan Porteries. Two more: Rodney Ferguson. The Lobos nearly beat BYU in Albugeurgue last year and will provide a stiff test in 2008.
Why faith endures: New Mexico is replacing the bulk of its offensive line and lost two first-team all-MWC receivers. The defense yielded 30 or more points four times last year.BYU's edge on both lines will be evident and the Cougars just have more weapons and more experience at key positions.
Prediction: The days of losing to New Mexico at home are over. There will be no blowout, but BYU wins in the end. BYU 30, New Mexico 20.

Oct. 16 BYU at TCU (Versus)

Fear factor: TCU is due for another run at the BCS and the Horned Frogs have the talent to get there. If the Frogs upset Oklahoma on Sept. 27, this game becomes very scary. A loss to the Sooners may take some wind out of TCU's sails and create another underachieving season. A healthy Aaron Brown will give the Y majors headaches. He missed all or part of nine games as a junior, but his speed is impressive when he's 100 percent. And he's running behind a veteran O-line.
Why faith endures: TCU struggled in Thursday night games last year. The Frogs do have Andy Dalton back at QB, but his supporting cast has a lot of new faces. BYU has been adept at picking apart TCU's man-t0-man defense with its vertical passing game, and if Gary Patterson sticks with that scheme, Max Hall will have a big day. Watch for BYU tight ends Dennis Pitta, to have a big night.
Prediction: In the toughest test of the season to date, BYU repeats its 2006 Fort Worth heroics and steals a Thursday night win. BYU 24, TCU 21.

Oct. 25 BYU vs. UNLV (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: Frank Summers (RB) and Ryan Wolfe (WR) are all-MWC players.
Why faith endures: UNLV is poorly coached, lacks quality depth and isn't ready to stay with a Top-15 team on the road.
Prediction: Cougars get slowed at times by Rebel D and give up yards to experienced UNLV offense, but a lopsided score still results. BYU 37, UNLV 17.

Nov. 1 BYU at Colorado State (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: New head coach Steve Fairchild should revive CSU, but it'll take time. The Rams will play hard at home and have a history of spanking BYU at Hughes Stadium.
Why faith endures: The Rams will already have five or more losses to their credit and that should result in less effort and poorer play on CSU's part.
Prediction: BYU's receivers have a big day. Austin Collie's 130 receiving yards and two TD catches highlight the win. BYU 33, CSU 13.

Nov. 8 BYU vs. San Diego State (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: With some powder puffs on the slate early, the Aztecs could get their confidence going in 2008. A 3-1 start would have SDSU in position to make some noise on conference.
Why faith endures: San Diego State lost most of offensive talent and returns eight starters from a porous defense. Not a good combo. They may make slight strides over 2007, but this team is still a ways from competing with the MWC's best.
Prediction: They may make slight strides over 2007, but the Aztecs are still a ways from competing with the MWC's best. BYU 44, SDSU 17.

Nov. 15 BYU at Air Force (CBS-C)

Fear factor: The Falcons will be at home and can always provide problems with their unique offensive style.
Why faith endures: BYU beat up a good AFA team 31-6 last fall. This year's Falcons have a depleted offense and will need to greatly better a defense that gave up almost 30 points a game last year.
Prediction: BYU's big backs pound their way all day. The Cougar defense continues its recent success against the Falcons and BYU rolls on the road. BYU 37, Air Force 16.

Nov. 22 BYU at Utah (The Mtn.)

Fear factor: Yes, BYU has won two in a row over the Utes. But both those wins needed miraculous events to occur in the closing minutes and/or seconds. Utah has a capable QB, two excellent running backs and a load of talent at receiver. The Ute defense held BYU to a season low of 17 points last November, and that was only reached with Harvey Unga's late TD and a 2-point pass to Austin Collie. By far, this is the scariest game on the 2008 schedule.
Why faith endures: If BYU enters the game 11-0, the Cougars will have a lot to play for. An 11-1 season could be good enough for a BCS berth, but not if that lone loss comes in the final regular-season game. Max Hall is better than Brian Johnson. If Hall outplays Johnson, that could be the edge BYU needs as the teams are even across the board in most respects.
Prediction: Too tough to call. Another thriller goes down to the final minute. With Magic Happen once again? (Yes, I totally wimped out on calling this one).