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PROVO - It's been a year since BYU announced its intentions to compete as a football independent and now it is finally time to play.
As the countdown for college football narrows the excitement continues to build. BYU is preparing to head south this weekend to play against the best conference in the nation and make a statement to the nation that independence will work for the Cougars.
In article by ESPN's Andrea Adelson, BYU quarterback Jake Heaps talked about the great opportunity that awaits the Cougars in Oxford.
"This game means a lot to us," Heaps said. "This is an SEC football team, so to walk into an SEC stadium and environment and walk away with a win from a traditional powerhouse program in the SEC, that's a great thing for us."
Linebacker Jordan Pendleton agreed.
"Being independent, we get the opportunity to play against some great teams and we get an opportunity to play against an SEC team our first game on the road. That means a lot to us," Pendleton said.
Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt talked about the Rebels excited to play in the season opener in an interview with the Sun Herald.
"I am looking forward to seeing our stadium on Saturday at 3:45. I am anxious to see our players," Nutt said, "It is a new group, a new attitude and it is a brand-new season."
The new group that Nutt is talking about includes starting quarterback and West Virginia transfer Barry Brunetti, who won the preseason battle by default after Randall Mackey was arrested after a fight at a club. Nutt said Bruetti will start but backup Zack Stoudt will also play in the opener on September 3.
BYU fans are familiar with the two-quarterback system after witnessing Jake Heaps and Riley Nelson battle for the starting spot during the first three games last year.
This year Heaps has a clear hold on the quarterback job and in new offensive coordinator Brandon Doman's new offense, he is looking to have a breakout year.
"I feel lucky to be in this situation," Heaps said in an article by BYUTV analyst Dave McCann in the Las Vegas Review Journal.
"There is so much excitement around here," Heaps said, "To be the quarterback at BYU right now is humbling. Trust me, I'm working my tail off to make sure there are no disappointments."
Many opportunities have presented themselves since BYU announced its decision to compete in football as an independent, and now it's time to collect the rewards.
