10* Diamond in the Rough
(NCAAF) BYU vs. Virginia, 08/31/2013 11:30 AM, Score: 16 - 19
Point Spread: -1.50 | -110.00 BYU (Away)
Result: Loss
Not many teams fielded a defense capable of dominating games the way the Cougar's did in 2012. Perhaps the most impressive display came in an epic battle with Boise State on September 20, that resulted in the Broncos winning 7-6 when BYU missed a 2-point conversion. The Cougars open the season on the road versus Virginia, and this isn't an easy matchup by any means. The Cavs though are coming off a disappointing 4-8 campaign last year, and that has resulted in bringing in new coordinators on both sides of the ball. The defense should be solid with all four starters returning in the secondary, led by all-star candidate Demetrious Nicholson at cornerback. The passing game was the Achilles heel last season, and there is no reason to expect it to get any better this year. This is a nightmare matchup for Virginia, and it's unlikely they will get anything going offensively against this Cougar's defense. I love this BYU team and I see them winning here on Saturday.