After playing several tough road games this year, Cougar fans and players alike learned just how difficult creating a diverse and complete schedule can be.
'Scheduling, in and of itself, when you're trying to do twelve games is pretty challenging from the standpoint of how all the pieces fit together. The opportunities for games isn't as challenging as it is just trying to fit it all together,' said Associate Athletic Director Duff Tittle.
With BYU making announcements over the past week for future games with Cincinnati, Michigan, and Virginia, it would seem at least some of those puzzle pieces are finally being put together, according to Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall.
'Really, my philosophy once we've hit independence has changed. I'm pretty much willing to go anywhere and play anybody in front of the biggest crowds to improve our program,' said Mendenhall.
Improving against tough teams on the road isn't the only reason independence works for Bronco's Cougars.
'I think it's a unique thing having ESPN as a partner, because they are always brokering games and putting teams together, looking for match-ups; so, having them as a partner really gives us some unique opportunities that we wouldn't have otherwise,' said Tittle.
BYU is playing in Hawaii next year. This gives the Cougars a unique opportunity to play 13 games, if they so choose. With just five of next year's contests scheduled at LaVell Edwards Stadium so far, plan for BYU to make at least one more stop at home before next year's lineup is finalized.