PROVO -- As one of the hottest teams in the country--winning 18 of its last 20 games, including an 8-2 record this season--BYU has returned to the national polls. Winners of seven straight games, including a 35-10 victory over Wyoming on Saturday, the Cougars are ranked 23rd in this week's Associated Press, USAToday/Coaches and the Harris Interactive Poll. BYU also cracked the BCS standings, ranked 25th.
"We appreciate the recognition and acknowledge that being ranked in the top-25 is a measuring stick for our program, "BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Being ranked is an indicator that we are taking the right steps and doing the right things to restore the national prominence of this program. Having said that, we're not finished, nor do I think we have reached our potential."
Ironically, the Cougars' appearance in the polls during the 2006 and 2007 seasons came after a win over Wyoming. In 2006, BYU cracked the Associated Press Top-25 after a 55-7 win over the Cowboys. In addition, the Cougars earned a national ranking last season in all three polls after a 25-point win over New Mexico improved their record to 8-2. Saturday's victory over Wyoming improved the Cougars' record to 8-2. Interestingly, like last season, BYU will enter the annual Deseret Duel against Utah with a No. 23 ranking in the Coaches Poll.
The Cougars will take on Utah (8-3) on Saturday in the 83rd meeting between the two teams, dating back to the first official meeting in 1922. The Utes and Cougars rank fourth nationally, each with a current win streak of seven straight games. Interestingly, the last seven games in Provo have been decided by an average of 5.3 points per game. Game time is set for 12 p.m. (MT). The game will be broadcast on the Mtn., and will be carried live nationally on Versus and CSTV.
POLL FACTS
- Dating back to the 1974 season, BYU has spent a total of 176 weeks ranked in the
nation's top-25 polls. The Cougars are 135-41 when playing as a ranked team.
- BYU is one of only four teams ranked in the AP Top-25 that is ranked 19th or
better in both total offense and total defense.
- BYU is ranked higher nationally than eight other teams in the AP Top-25 in
scoring offense, averaging 30.9 points per game.
- BYU is ranked higher nationally than 15 other teams in the AP Top-25 in total
defense, allowing just 308.6 yards per game.
- BYU is ranked higher nationally than 15 other teams in the AP Top-25 in total
offense, averaging 452.9 yards per game.
- BYU is tied with both USC and Oregon with the seventh highest winning percentage
(.800) among teams ranked in the AP Top-25
- There are nine teams ranked above BYU in this week's AP Top-25 with a weaker
strength of schedule (ranked by past opposition).