Randall | 3:43 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Great!
The "Quest for Perfection 2.0" Ends the First Game!

Dallas Member | 3:51 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Excellent! This will be a lot of fun, and hopefully we come out of it with a win. There are a ton of members in the DFW area, so it should have a good turn out. Go BYU!
YES! | 4:02 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
If cougars can pull out a win it will shut the ute fans. Since the sugar bowl all i've heard is how good utah is and how they beat BYU TCU and Alabama, but Utah can't, in my opinion hang with the big power houses of USC Florida Oaklahoma and Texas. The Utes went 13-0 and had an impressive win over Alabama, but no matter what all the Ute fans and players say, they are not the #1 team in the nation and should be playing in the title game. The Cougs will have senior skill players and hopefully an improved defense.
Comments continue below
Cougar Fan | 4:04 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
We are going to get killed.......
0-1 | 4:09 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
That is the start of the 2009 season for the Cougs.
AZ Coug | 4:08 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
This took a lot of guts, but I'm afraid the Cougs won't be playing in a BCS with a schedule like this. It was already strong enough, but adding Oklahoma is probably too much.
Good SOS | 4:10 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Solid sked! Now the COugars just need a good defense to back up that strong schedule or it could be a rough year.
Dream Matchup | 4:17 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
for any non-BCS team looking for respect. No doubt OU will be ranked somewhere between #1 and #4 depending on whether or not Bradford returns.

Hope Collie stays around for another season-now, if only BYU had a defense. Afraid that it will be a monumental blowout if Bradford comes back.

What happened to Arizona State-who was originally on the schedule?

Now, just need to break the news to my dear wife that we will be spending our summer vacation in Dallas next September. Wish me luck!

Go Cougs!!

cougar fan | 4:16 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I love my Cougars but I think we may have gotten in a little over our heads! Congrats to the Utes for an amazing season! You guys should have been considered for the national title
Ted | 4:20 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
BYU had a fairly decent team this year. How many of their starters are coming back next year? I'd hate to see us get blown out on national TV, especially at the start of the season. A nice showing would certainly help pick up other big teams in the future. Ted (Minneapolis)
Smudge | 4:24 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Will Max Hall be there?
Oregon Ute | 4:25 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
That's a tough non-conference schedule. Even Utah State will be tough next year with their new head coach. Let's hope the Y looks better than they did in the bowl game against Arizona or they will be 0-4 in non-conference games.
UteGary | 4:25 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Oklahoma should be a great test for BYU. This will be good for BYU and the MWC. What an opportunity to play Oklahoma in the Cowboy�s stadium. Good luck next year with Oklahoma.
OKC Cougar | 4:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Come on down Cougar fans and we'll party like its 1984 or 1990 (Miami)! We had about 18,000-20,000 show up at the Cotton Bowl to play Kansas State on New Years Day 1997.

Make your plans now and lets see if we can pull in 35,000+ Cougar fans to the new Cowboys stadium.

Could be a blowout if Sam Bradford returns to Norman or an epic BYU win for the ages. Hopefully, Bronco and his staff are scouring the JC ranks for tall, athletic, and playmaking defensive backs.

See you in Dallas. Go Cougs!!
NY BYU fan | 4:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
As a BYU fan, I'm happy about BYU scheduling this game. I prefer playing the top teams and loading up on the non-conference schedule because although the MWC is improving, from top to bottom its weaker than the most of the BCS conferences. I'm disappointed however that this game is replacing the Utah St. game instead of the Tulane game.
NY BYU fan | 4:32 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
whoops....meant to type replacing AZ ST. game instead of Tulane game. If we had more chances to play top 5 or top 10 teams in conference than I wouldn't mind ducking the top teams with the non-conference schedule. But although I imagine TCU and Utah will be good next year I bet they won't be top 10.
Anonymous | 4:31 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I am a cougar fan and i loved the sugar bowl. Utah obviously gets the most praise and it is the talk of the college football world. They went into Bamma's back yard and kick their butt. They beat a big power house. The win helped TCU, BYU, Air Force, it helped everyone in our conference. So the ute fans have something to cheer about right now. Just wait till next season to do the trash talking. Congrats utes on a killer win for your program and the MWC.
Re: Yes! | 4:34 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
So since we beat Alabama, they're no longer a power house team? Makes sense. Why call a team that was #1 half the season a power house team? But Texas, well of course they are a power house team. They needed a miracle finish to beat 10-2 and "shouldn't have been in a BCS game" Ohio State. Let me guess, if Utah were to beat Texas, or USC, or Florida, they would no longer be power house teams either right? Whatever makes you feel better about us being one of the best teams in the nation. I agree, we probably aren't the best team in the nation. But shouldn't we have a chance to prove it on the field. We were supposed to beat Alabama either and you know how that turned out.
Congrats | 4:36 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
good for BYU, this will be good for them. We'll never know if Oklahoma is better than Alabama, but what we do know is that Alabama was ranked #1 for most of the season, and statistically gave up more yards to Utah than any other team. I think BYU will be a good opponent and may turn heads.
Good for BYU | 4:38 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
All of we cougar fans have been asking for is a chance to play the big boys. Here's our chance. Good luck.
Re: Yes! | 4:40 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Sour grapes BYU fan talking about all he has heard since the Sugar bowl is yadayadayada from Ute fans. Flap it all you want, but BYU couldn't hang with the middle tier Pac-10 teams (Arizona) and barely hung with the last place Pac-10 team (Washington), so I'm not sure why you could even begin to be confident with an Oklahoma on the schedule. Utes would win this game (if they played it) because they actually play well in big games, while the Cougars will open 0-1 because they are slow, unathletic, and crumble against decent teams.
True Blue | 4:48 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I'm not sure playing Oklahoma in their backyard is a good idea, traditions notwithstanding. Should BYU pull the unthinkable, an upset, it would make a big difference for the season but if they get killed, that too will set a bad tone for the season. I have mixed emotions on this one but the defense worries the heck out of me. Oh well....
Tired of it | 5:00 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Could we please put the college football season to bed so we don't have to rehash the season with 823 comments to the Des News.
Be like UTAH | 5:06 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Certainly knowing you are going to play a tradtional power on the road in your season opener worked for UTAH, so why not do it.

Bummer Cougar fan... | 5:14 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I wanted a tough schedule, but now that i have one, I am pretty worried we're going to flunk. We'll find out what bronco is made of I guess. Go Y!
Cougar | 5:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
We're going to get BLITZED---Literally. The QUEST ends on DAY 1.
M D KING | 5:44 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
PERFECTION IS SOMETHING YOU PURSUE BY GOING OUT AND DOING IT AND NOT BRAGGING THAT YOUR ARE GOING TO DO IT. YOU ACCOMPLISH IT NOT BY WORD BUT BY DEED. THIS IS A GOOD LESSON FOR LIFE ITSELF. PEOPLE WHO ARE CONTINUALLY BRAGGING THEY ARE GOING TO DO IT, GET CAUGHT UP IN THEIR WORDS AND AS A RULE RARELY ACCOMPLISH IT. PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN PERFECTION, AND JUST GO OUT AND WORK AT IT ARE THE ONES WHO TRULY REAP THE REWARD. I HOPE BYU WILL WORK FOR PERFECTION THIS YEAR AND NOT JUST TALK ABOUT IT, GET OUT AND DO IT AND SET ALL THE HYPE ASIDE. THIS IS FROM A UTE FAN! IT WOULD BE GREAT FOR BOTH TEAMS TO BE UNDEFEATED WHEN THEY PLAY THIS YEAR. THAT WAY WE WILL KNOW FOR SURE WHO REACHED PERFECTION.
What about refs? | 5:52 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I'm wondering what the contract with Oklahoma says about referees. Holmoe has really punted on this issue with Wake Forest, Arizona State, Washington, etc., etc. If Oklahoma gets to bring its own referees then this game is slated to make BYU look really bad.
DimWhitt | 6:00 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Wasn't it last year when utes ragged on BYU for scheduling Northern Iowa (yes, they did). Relax redheds, Oregon will run you out of Autzen next year and dump beer on your heads.
Uh Oh.... | 6:01 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Hopefully OU won't be wearing the red home uniforms...we all know how much Hall likes throwing the ball to people in red.
I BELIEVE! | 6:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
To be the BEST, You Have got to BEAT the BEST!
Wiley Old School | 6:18 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Kudos to BYU for changing tactics and beefing up their schedule. Even if a win doesn't result, it will pay benefits down the road (and I'm not talking about how Utah State benefits by funding their athletic program via their annual sacrifice to Nebraska, et al). If they do win, then they've set themselves up to stay ahead of the weak-WAC champion in a close BCS race.

Win or lose, this Ute will not disparage BYU for taking a shot at the Sooners.
Anonymous | 6:21 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
OK BYU let's see if you can actually show up for a big game that's not played in Provo, or if you're going to get intimidated like usual. Yes, I am a Ute fan, but I still wish BYU could at least represent the conference well in a big game for a change. Good luck, Cougars- and kudos for your 09 schedule
Red Jello | 6:34 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
This is awesome - congrats to the BYU people who made this happen.
Anonymous | 6:41 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
OU home game, mixed ref crew
Ute Trolls | 7:26 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Cougar Fan | 4:04 p.m.
cougar fan | 4:16 p.m.
Be like UTAH | 5:06 p.m.
Bummer Cougar fan... | 5:14 p.m.
Cougar | 5:29 p.m.

I do appreciate the Utah fans who post thoughtfully, and even those who post looking for a rise. I get tired of Utah fans who pose as BYU fans and post how araid they are.

This is how you do it.

You don't play Weber State, Northern Iowa. You go out and beat the best that are there and get ready for conference play.

Three 10 win seasons, then a tough SOS, and see where the chips land at the end of the season. This is how you keep Collie in Blue, if he leaves, fine.

But if BYU pulls this off, with TCU and Utah at home, BYU will get in a top notch BCS game, maybe another NC.
Bundy | 7:28 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I love the schedule. This is like having a major bowl game for the first game of the year. It is a more exciting match up than any conference game except for the Utah game. Maybe if we have enough big games we might figure out how to win one. Maybe Bronco should give Kyle a call and ask for some pointers.

If the coug's didn't have enough motivation to work their butts off during the off season after that embarrassing end to the season, then they should sure have it now.

BCS in '09 | 8:14 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Utah was the first team to do what no other non-bcs team had done before...go undefeated and make it to a BCS bowl game. The Cougars will have a first of their own next season...to be the first non-bcs team to not go undefeated and still make it to a BCS bowl game. I'm being realistic that a win over Oklahoma, in Dallas, would be hard for any team to accomplish, however, BYU can beat FSU at home, they can beat Tulane (anywhere they play), they will have TCU and Utah at home. This is the perfect recipe to go undefeated the rest of the season. If they do lose to Oklahoma, remember that it is the first game of the season which gives them more than enough time to recoup in the rankings. Don't think that what happened in 2008 (which was still a pretty good outcome) reflects what will happen this year. Look at the difference one year made between a very mediocre 6-6 2005 season to 11-2 2006 season (only 10 points was the difference for that team not making it to the BCS).
utes will be bad | 8:25 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Utes will play Oregon, Byu and TCU all on the road-----and I predict BYU ranked higher than the Utes in pre-season polls. I think Byu and Alabama could be top five teams in country next year---both teams have most of their squads back---although I confess BYU's defense has much improving to do (Oklahoma would not play BYU if they weren't good.)
Coug | 8:52 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
How close is the Alamo?
ATC | 8:58 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I am really excited for this game!!! This will be a tough game, but BYU will have a motivation to work hard. And even if BYU loses it will put them on the map, and it will still boost their rankings. If we win then the rest of the season will go fine. I am just glad this is the first game, because it won't matter all that much
Utah is #5 | 9:27 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, USC...all much better teams than Utah. All more deserving of championship game invite than the reds. Good season Utes and finishing #5 in nation in final poll.
Expose the Fraud Early On | 9:48 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
It will be nice to show how weak the kitties are early in the season so that we do not have to hear puffed up quest nonsense well into the season.

It is convenient that the y dropped USU as they are turning things around. Better to lose to the Big XII than the Aggies.
Utah fan jealousy | 10:10 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
It's pathetic how jealous Utah fans are of all things BYU.
Was Bronco serious... | 10:35 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
when he compared BYU's football tradition to those of Oklahoma and the Cowboys?
re: Utah fan jealousy | 10:10 p. | 10:35 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
ya we are so jealous of you, your 2 bcs wins your 2 undefeated seasons in the last four years, were jealous that you guys beat us 48-24, were jealous that you rocked alabama in the sugar bowl. oh wait utah did all of those things so i dont know what there is to be jealous about.

GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#1

LITERALLY NUMBER 1 IN THE COUNTRY
THE QUEST WAS PERFECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA BYU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ute Fan | 10:44 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Good job BYU for stepping up. I've been critical of BYU's scheduling in the past. The thing is, you can't tell that UCLA and Washington are going to be no good when you schedule them. Anyway, this looks like a great non-conference schedule. Good luck Cougs.

-Now the basketball team needs to follow suit.
widdy | 11:13 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I'm a huge Utah fan but I am glad to see some tough National scheduling for BYU.They have got to win at least one of these games to get any respect from me or anyone else.Bronco has got to bring more than just a good work ethic and positive attitude to the 1st game.He has got to prepare for it like it is the bowl game for all the marbles.He would be wise to find out what Utah does to prepare their players for the bowl games because obviously it works pretty well.Bring the 'eye of the tiger' next year Bronco or you will lose both games and be the same ol BYU who can't win the big games.
Hey BYU.... | 1:03 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009
HOLD UTAH'S Jockstrap..hahaha!!






2009 NC UTAH UTES
Great game for BYU | 7:43 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Can't wait for Sept 5th...should be fun.

Utah fans are beyond annoying. Why do they continue to prove that they have no life and are fully suffering from Little Brother Syndrome by commenting on articles about another team.

As a BYU fan I cheer for my team. I do not care at all what the Yewts do. I still don't know how they did in their bowl game nor do I care. It has no relevance to me or my team.

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