Inaugural BYU-Nebraska game already has history


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LINCOLN, Neb. — The long wait is almost over. All the speculation, predictions and looking into the crystal balls is almost over.

The off-season is nearing its end and the BYU football season is about to kick off. The Cougars have a tall order to open the season as they head to Memorial Stadium to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. BYU will have to battle a strong defensive front, a big offensive line and the excitement of a new coach.

We like to step into these games knowing what the previous matchup between the two schools looked like, but that's going to be difficult, considering the last time BYU and Nebraska played was — well — never. This is the first meeting, but there are a few similarities we can look at when considering Saturday's season opener.

Last common opponent

The last team that both BYU and Nebraska played isn't as helpful as we may have hoped. The Cornhuskers took on the Wisconsin Badgers in 2014 and the Cougars faced the team from Madison in 2013.

Both Nebraska and BYU fell to Wisconsin and both teams gave up a lot of yards.

BYU gave up 425 yards while Nebraska gave up 627. Out of those 627 yards, Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon had 408 all by himself. BYU held Gordon to just 86 yards, but they let running back James White run up and down the field to the tune of 147 yards.

It's worth noting that in 2013, BYU ranked third overall for total defense, not so much the case these days.

Neither Nebraska nor BYU had a great day against Wisconsin. Current BYU quarterback Taysom Hill had a better day against the Badger defense than returning Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. Hill threw for 207 yards with two TD's and one interception and added another 53 yards on the ground. Armstrong had a long day with only 62 yards through the air and 17 on the ground. Armstrong threw for a TD, ran for a TD and threw one interception.

It needs to be noted, however, that Wisconsin's defense ranked 15th overall in 2013 when playing the Cougars, but fourth overall in 2014 against the Huskers.

It's tough to take much from the Wisconsin games, but they provide a small idea how these teams play against similar opponents.

Oregon State Head Coach Mike Riley looks into the crowd during a game against the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. (Photo: Matt Gade/Deseret News)
Oregon State Head Coach Mike Riley looks into the crowd during a game against the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. (Photo: Matt Gade/Deseret News)

Mike Riley vs. BYU

First-year Nebraska head coach Mike Riley has faced off against the Cougars three times, all with Oregon State.

Riley's record against BYU currently stands at two losses and one win.

In 2009, Riley's Beavers fell to the Cougars in a 44-20 route in the Las Vegas Bowl. Max Hall had a big day for the Cougars with three TD's and nearly 200 yards through the air.

The Beavers and the Cougars met again in 2011 in Corvallis. BYU won that match behind QB Riley Nelson and receiver Cody Hoffman. The Cougars beat Riley's Beavers 38-28 with Hoffman racking up 162 receiving yards.

Riley exacted his revenge in 2012 in Provo when OSU rolled over BYU 42-24.

Riley has a very different team and a very different venue with Nebraska, but a strong takeaway is the fact Riley has had history with BYU and knows what it's like playing against the Cougars.

Riley may know some of the ins and outs of BYU and head coach Bronco Mendenhall, but Mendenhall knows a thing or two about Riley as well.

Riley had a long tenure with Mendenhall's alma mater, Oregon State, and the two coaches have crossed paths for years. They are friends off the field, but there's no doubt they both use that knowledge to their advantage come game day.

Conclusion

The opener between Nebraska and BYU is one of the best Week One matchups and after looking deeper into the game, it's easy to see why. BYU and Nebraska match up well and should prove to be a worthy opponents.

The Huskers and Cougars kick off Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1:30 MST on ABC.


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About the Author: John Clyde ----------------------------

John has been writing about movies, news, sports and pretty much anything awesome for more than five years. John is the co-host of the Flix Junkies podcast and will always entertain you with his stories.

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