BYU Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019 season

STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 14: Tanner Mangum #12 of the Brigham Young Cougars hands the ball to Ula Tolutau #5 during the first half of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kent C. Horner/Getty Images) /

The regular season finale takes BYU down to the southern terminus of California, where they will meet up with Mountain West hopeful San Diego State. The former conference rivals have not met in the regular season since BYU left the Mountain West, though they did square off in the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl. In total, BYU has won six straight against the Aztecs and 10 of their 11 meetings in the 21st century.

This year’s San Diego State squad will likely come into the home finale against BYU after a heartbreaking loss to Hawaii that will seal the division crown for the Rainbow Warriors. That said, the Aztecs are good enough on both sides of the ball to have themselves in contention for a 10th regular-season win when they face off against the Cougars.

With any shot at a New Year’s Six bowl killed, though, the Aztecs are going to come out somewhat listless and dejected after losing their shot at regaining the Mountain West crown. Look for BYU to capitalize early, as they build up a big first-half lead.

Rocky Long and his staff will implement halftime adjustments that make things far more interesting in the second half, but the Cougars will do just enough to make sure they get to eight regular-season wins.

Prediction: BYU 41, San Diego State 38 (8-4)

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