BYU Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2021 season

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Nov 24, 2018; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Jaylen Dixon (25) can’t make the reception against Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi (53) in the second quartet at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Poor Arizona. After being run into the ground at the end of the Rich Rodriguez era, Kevin Sumlin took over and provided a sliver of hope. He, too, struggled in Tucson as the Wildcats went 0-5 last season which got him fired and he ended his tenure with a 70-7 loss to rival Arizona State at home.

The Wildcats are under the new direction of Jedd Fisch now and he has his work cut out for him.

Fisch has to try and fix an offense that finished 118th in scoring and a defense that finished 116th in total yards allowed and that’s not going to happen right away. Week 1 goes to the Cougars.

Final Score: BYU 37, Arizona 24 (1-0)

From a Pac-12 bottom-dweller in Week 1 to a rival and conference title favorite in Week 2, BYU will get a taste of both ends of the contention pool as Utah comes to town.

The Utes bring in Charlie Brewer from Baylor and they could have one of the most improved offenses in the country with TJ Pledger and Chris Curry also transferring in to bolster the backfield from Oklahoma and LSU, respectively.

Like always, Utah will have a strong defense. And also like always, this game will be tight.

Final Score: Utah 31, BYU 27 (1-1)

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