This is the game-by-game prediction of how BYU's 2004 campaign will go. Needless to say, my expectations are much more reserved this year than they have the past two seasons, when I predicted the Cougars to go 12-0 in 2002 and 10-2 in 2003. That's a combined 22-2; the Cougars, however, let me down, going 9-13 instead, and sapping out the warm feelings I had for the Cougars. So optimism is low, but you might not believe it when you see my first two picks.
Game 1: vs. Notre Dame, Sept. 4
The Cougars have several things going for them in this game: one, it's at home; two, it's the season opener; and three, Notre Dame ain't what it used to be. All of Crowton's seasons, even the lean years, have started impressively with big wins at home. In 2001, it was a 70-35 stomping of Tulane that set the tone for that season. A year later, Syracuse came to Provo and got spanked 42-21. Things were a bit more subdued in last year's opener, but the Cougars did get a nice 24-13 win over a name team, Georgia Tech; BYU's only home win of the season and, sadly, one of its highest point tallies of 2003. The season went South soon after that, but all that tells you is why the Cougars may not finish strong, they start strong. I like for the same thing in the 2004 opener.
PREDICTION: BYU 26, Notre Dame 21
Game #2: at Stanford, Sept. 11
This is a clash of two once-proud programs in the midst of a disappointing stretch. BYU gave this one away at home last season, but they have more than the Cardinal do, and the Cougs will walk away with a win.
PREDICTION: BYU 28, Stanford 10
Game #3: vs. USC, Sept. 18
The Cougars will have momentum coming into a home contest against the team's top-ranked team. Sound familiar? Where are you, Ty Detmer? No heroics this time, as the No. 1 team comes out of Provo with a win.
PREDICTION: USC 42, BYU 10
Game #4: at Boise State, Sept. 24
Yeah, yeah, they lost Dinwiddie, but Boise State clearly has a strong program in place, and the Broncos will have enough to defeat The Deepest Shade of Royal Blue on the Smurf Turf.
PREDICTION: Boise State 37, BYU 21
Game #5: at Colorado State, Oct. 2
The Rams embarrassed BYU last year in the Homecoming Game. This year, the loss won't be as bad, but CSU, even in the post-Van Pelt ERA, is going to be a tough match in Fort Collins.
PREDICTION: Colorado State 31, BYU 17
Game #6: vs. UNLV, Oct. 8
After three straight losses, the grumbling will start in Provo. It's good thing BYU has UNLV and Wyoming in back-to-back games at home to get back on track.
PREDICTION: BYU 24, UNLV 14
Game #7: vs. Wyoming, Oct. 16
Joe Glenn is the most annoying coach in the Mtn. West, but he is steering the Cowboys back on track to respectability ... at this rate, they'll be respectable in 2135.
PREDICTION: BYU 42, Wyoming 13
Game #8: at Air Force, Oct. 23
The Falcons have had BYU's number in recent years. The 52-9 drubbing two years ago will not be forgotten anytime soon. But Chance Harridge is gone, and Air Force is starting a freshman in his place. Not a recipe for success. The Cougars could get a surprise road win here.
PREDICTION: Air Force 27, BYU 24 (OT)
Game #9: vs. San Diego State, Nov. 6
One thing that Crowton has done consistently at BYU is beat the Aztecs all three years. He makes it four in '04.
PREDICTION: BYU 30, San Diego State 20
Game #10: vs. New Mexico, Nov. 13
The Lobos' defense will ensure this will be a yawner, but the New Mexico offense isn't going to provide enough scoring to win. Another 3-and-out game going to BYU.
PREDICTION: BYU 13, New Mexico 9
Game #11: at Utah, Nov. 20
I know I should say Utah will win. But I don't fancy a trip to the bishop's office to repent of such a great sin as saying the Utes will beat BYU.
PREDICTION: BYU 21, Utah 10
That leaves BYU at 7-4 and an invite to the Las Vegas Bowl, where they will play and lose to California, 28-19.
