Cougars seek balance

PROVO — When it comes to non-conference scheduling, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall wants balance.

The Cougars released their 2006 schedule Wednesday and it appears Mendenhall got his wish. BYU's non-conference slate features an up-and-coming Pac-10 team (Arizona), the defending Conference USA champions (Tulsa), a perennial Top 25 team from the ACC (Boston College) and a longtime in-state rival (Utah State).

"We're excited about this year's schedule," Mendenhall said. "We look forward to competing this season with an improved football team, building off the success from last season. Whether we are on the road or here at Edwards Stadium, we'll be prepared to face each opponent with the effort, intensity and execution necessary to compete at the highest level."

BYU opens its 12-game schedule on Sept. 2 in Tucson against Arizona. It will mark the first meeting between the two schools since 1977, just before the Wildcats bolted the WAC for the Pac-10.

The following week, BYU entertains Tulsa before traveling to Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Sept. 16 to face Boston College, which finished No. 17 in the final 2005 rankings. The Eagles defeated the Cougars, 20-3, last year in Provo.

BYU hosts USU on Sept. 23, marking the first game between the Cougars and Aggies since 2002. It will be USU's first trip to Edwards Stadium since 2001.

"The BYU-Utah State game is a tradition in Utah, and we're excited to have the Aggies on our schedule," Mendenhall said. "It will be nice to renew this rivalry and have the opportunity to play for the Beehive Boot."

BYU's Mountain West Conference schedule opens with a Thursday night contest at defending league champion TCU on Sept. 28.

BYU's conference home games are against San Diego State (Oct. 7), UNLV (Oct. 21), Wyoming (Thursday, Nov. 9) and New Mexico (Nov. 18). The Cougars' other conference road contests are at Air Force (Oct. 28), Colorado State (Nov. 4) and Utah (Nov. 25). On Oct. 14, BYU has a bye.

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2006 BYU football schedule

Sept. 2 — at Arizona

Sept. 9 — Tulsa

Sept. 16 — at Boston College

Sept. 23 — Utah State

Sept. 28 — at TCU (Thur.)

Oct. 7 — San Diego St.

Oct. 21 — UNLV

Oct. 28 — at Air Force

Nov. 4 — at CSU

Nov. 9 — Wyoming (Thur.)

Nov. 18 — New Mexico

Nov. 25 — at Utah

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com