BYU Football: Cougars 2023 Season Preview and Predictions

BYU football win-loss predictions for 2023

The schedule for BYU football as an independent program often contained 3-4 strong opponents and 8-9 that they were heavy favorites to win. This led to a lot of 8 to 10-win seasons. The hope is to continue this type of success in the long run.

The schedule is tough in 2023 and includes both Texas and Oklahoma who are SEC bound in 2024. I do expect BYU to be competitive in this conference in the long term, but in this first season and the schedule they have, I think a winning season and bowl eligibility would be positive and give them momentum going forward. Below is the schedule and my predictions for the 2023 season.

Sam Houston State at BYU (W): BYU is the more talented team here. Combine that with a home opener, give me the Cougs.

Southern Utah at BYU (W): Easiest game on the schedule for BYU. Another win and a chance to try some different packages and build some momentum.

BYU at Arkansas (L): Arkansas is bringing a ton of guys back from a team that beat BYU in Provo last year. This is one of the three toughest games on the schedule and I don’t see BYU going in there and getting the win.

BYU at Kansas (L): First Big 12 matchup, I see this game being very close and coming down to the final possessions. I’ve got a loss for BYU here because it is in Lawrence.

Cincinatti at BYU (W): Change is coming to Cincinnati with the exit of Luke Fickle to Wisconsin. I would expect an immediate drop-off to some extent as usually happens when a great coach leaves a program. This may be a close game, but the fact it’s in Provo leads me to believe BYU should take care of business.

BYU at TCU (L): This is one of the tougher games on the schedule. TCU loses some major playmakers and may not be a national title contender this year, but there is still major talent on the roster, and the Horned Frogs will be in the mix for a Big 12 championship. I’ll take TCU in this one at home.

Texas Tech at BYU (W): This is by no means a gimme, but one of those where if the Cougars play well they should win.

BYU at Texas (L): Texas is the favorite to win the Big 12 in 2023. This is probably the toughest game on the schedule, and I believe Texas would have to play poorly to lose this one, especially in Austin.

BYU at West Virginia (W): West Virginia has been down the last few years and are expected to finish towards the bottom of the Big 12. Although this is a road game and could get dicey, BYU should come away with the win.

Iowa State at BYU (W): Another one of these games BYU should win at home, although they will need to play a complete game. This is similar to the matchup with Texas Tech where the teams are evenly matched. Homefield is big.

Oklahoma at BYU (L): This is likely the most exciting home game in 2023. Provo is a difficult place to go win and I am taking Oklahoma in this matchup purely based on looking at the two rosters, but I believe this will be a very close game that goes down to the wire.

BYU at Oklahoma State (L): I believe Oklahoma State may be catching BYU at the perfect time coming off a big matchup with Oklahoma. There is often a hangover associated with that, and it is an opportunity for the opponent to capitalize. That combined with the fact the game is in Stillwater causes me to lean in favor of the Cowboys in this one.

2023 Record: 6-6, 4-5 Big 12