Ranking the 2008 schedule

First off, thanks to all those who voted in our poll the last couple weeks. It's clear that the Utah finale is the toughest contest of 2008, as more than 56 percent voted for the Utes as BYU's stiffest test of the coming season. Week 2 at Washington was second with 27%, UCLA third with 9% and TCU fourth with 6%.
With those results in mind, here's a look at the games on this season's schedule, ranked from easiest to hardest. For a more detailed breakdown of each game, see http://thecougarzone.blogspot.com/2008/06/fear-factor-byu-football-2008.html.

From cake walks to the Holy War

12. Nothern Iowa. Being the home opener, this will be closer than it would be at midseason. But unless BYU pulls at Michigan, it should be smooth sailing in the opener against a I-AA foe.

11. Utah State. The fact this game is in Logan gives it at least some minor intrigue. But this is a colossal mismatch between one of the best teams in college football and one of the worst.

10. UNLV. Phil Steele actually picks the Rebels fourth in the MWC. But the Rebels are still a ninth-place team at heart.

9. Air Force. The Falcons lost a lot. And BYU excels are crushing the Cadets' offense.

8. Colorado State. The Rams will be better. But not much.

7. San Diego State. The Aztecs won't have much firepower on offense and never seem to be able to stop anyone. Cougs cruise at home.

6. Wyoming. Cowboys are too inconsistent to win in Provo. Another easy MWC victory for the Y.

5. New Mexico. Outside of Utah and TCU, the Lobos are probably the best conference foe BYU will face. But with the game in Provo, BYU gets past this one.

4. UCLA. The Bruins will be tough again. But the talent is down and the new coaching won't make enough of a difference.

3. TCU. The Horned Frogs, like BYU, are harboring BCS possiblities. A Thursday night special for the conference lead.

2. Washington. Don't let the Huskies four-win season of 2007 lull you into a false sense of security. June Jones said UW was the best team Hawaii faced in the regular season after Washington nearly (and should have) beaten the Warriors on the islands. With better athleticism and home-field advantage, the Huskies could mess up BYU's Quest in Week 2.

1. Utah. This rivalry is always close, and on paper, these teams are closer than ever this fall. If the Utes pull their usual rollercoaster feats, they'll have a few loses coming in. But regardless, this game is huge. If BYU is 11-0 and a BCS bid is on the line, it would be a heartbreaker to see perfection end in Rice-Eccles.