PROVO — In Shakespeare’s play, “King Henry VI,” Queen Margaret says, “Oft have I heard that grief softens the mind/And makes it fearful and degenerate/Think therefore on revenge and cease to weep.”

BYU’s schedule this year is full of revenge games where teams will finally get the chance to avenge painful losses last year. Here are the games where at least one team has vengeance on its mind.

Opponent: @ Texas, Sept. 6

Revenge factor: In last year’s matchup, Taysom Hill had a coming out party and ran all over the Longhorns as the Cougars absolutely embarrassed Texas in a 40-21 romp. The beat-down cost Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz his job and was the beginning of the end for longtime Texas coach Mack Brown. Since his first day on the job, new UT head coach Charlie Strong has had the BYU game circled to measure how far the program has come since that fateful night in Provo.

Of a lesser revenge factor, there are still a few Cougars who were on the team when BYU let a game in Austin slip through their fingers in 2011. For these players, to get a win at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in their last season would make for a very gratifying experience.

Opponent: Houston, Sept. 11

Revenge factor: In last year’s game, the two Cougar teams were locked in a shoot-out with the end result being very much in doubt for the entire game. With under two minutes to go, Taysom Hill found Skyler Ridley in the end zone for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown. The loss was Houston’s first of the year after five straight wins and was a negative turning point for a team that finished just 3-4 after the BYU game. The Cougars in red will come to Provo hoping to put a similar damper on BYU’s season.

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Opponent: Virginia, Sept. 20

Revenge factor: 2013 started with a thud for BYU when it lost to the Virginia Cavaliers 19-16 in an ugly, rain-soaked game in Charlottesville. Despite outplaying Virginia for most of the game, the Cougars made a late mistake as Taysom Hill’s errant pass bounced out of Jamaal Williams’ hands and right into the expectant arms of a Cavalier defender. The Cougars will be looking to avenge an embarrassing loss as Virginia only ended up winning one more game the rest of the season. In particular, Hill probably has this one circled as he only completed a pathetic 13 of 40 passes in last year’s meeting.

Opponent: Utah State, Oct. 3

Revenge factor: For many years, the Utah State game was penciled in as an easy win for BYU. In recent years, however, the game has become much more competitive due to the Aggies’ turnaround. Last year, on paper, the game looked like it would be a difficult one for the Cougars. Their fortunes quickly turned, however, when Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton tore his ACL and MCL early in the game. The Y. would roll on to an easy win. Utah State and its fans have been salivating for another chance at the Cougars and will get their chance on Oct. 3.

Opponent: Boise State, Oct. 24

Revenge factor: In last year’s matchup, BYU jumped on the Broncos early and the game was never really in doubt as the Cougars cruised to a 37-20 victory in Provo for the program’s first win over Boise State. The win was satisfying for the team and its fans since the Broncos have often been labeled as the new BYU and the Cougars have found themselves envious of Boise’s success. It was also satisfying after the Y. lost on the smurf turf in 2012 despite not giving up any offensive touchdowns. The rubber match in Boise should be a fun game as both teams look for a measure of revenge.

Dylan Cannon is a regular contributor for KSL.com and can be reached via Twitter @DylanCannon11 or by email at DylanCannon86@gmail.com.

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