Preseason Predictions: Week 1 @ BYU

As Jeff mentioned yesterday, fall camp is fast approaching and it's now time to start diving into the preseason coverage. Last year, we had a thread where everyone posted their season predictions. We will do that again this year, but starting today we will also take a look at each game individually.

When game week rolls around, we will re-poll the community and see how the opinion differs then from the preseason prediction. WSU opens its season in seven weeks and a day so it seems like a good time to get this rolling starting with the Cougars opening game against BYU.

BYU Profile:

2011 record: 10-3

2011 S&P ratings: 104.9 (offense), 113.1 (defense)

2011 home record: 6-2

Returning starters: 14

Athlon Sports preseason ranking: 39 (WSU 51)

Phil Steele power rating: 135.24 (WSU 123.32)

All-time record vs. WSU: 2-1

Last meeting: BYU 50 vs. WSU 36 (1990)

BYU should once again be strong on defense and will pose a significant test to WSU's new Air Raid offense. They held their final six opponents in 2011 to under 300 total yards. Matched up against what should be a high-powered WSU offense, something will have to give. On offense BYU returns quarterback Riley Nelson who played in 12 games last season and was extremely efficient. They also return their three leading receivers and second leading rusher.

Overall, BYU looks like a strong team and going on the road doesn't make this matchup any easier.