BYU Cougars 2010 College Football Predictions – BCS Odds 2011: BYU has more conference wins over the past five seasons than any other Mountain West school, which has translated into two conference championship since 2006. The Cougars are expected to be a factor this year as well with Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall returning for a sixth season on the sidelines. 2010 College Football Predictions at BetUS.com have BYU listed at -145 moneyline odds to finish Over eight wins for a fifth consecutive year.
The Cougars finished 11-2 last year after thrashing Oregon State 44-20 in the Las Vegas Bowl. The 11 wins marked BYU's 
fourth year in a row where the team recorded at least 10 victories. With twelve starters and 46 lettermen back from last season's impressive squad, the Cougars have a chance to keep that streak alive for another year.
BYU's offense put up some prolific numbers in 2009, averaging 35.5 points and 427 yards per game. The three biggest contributors have moved on, though, in quarterback Max Hall, running back Harvey Unga, and tight end Dennis Pitta. Replacing those three will be difficult, but Mendenhall has a number of highly talented recruits ready to take the reins.
True freshman Jake Heaps, one of the nation's top high school quarterbacks last year, will probably take over under center while another true freshman, running back Joshua Quezada, assumes Unga's lead role in the backfield.
The receiving corps and offensive line are solid too with wideouts McKay Jacobson and O'Neill Chambers back and the return of four starters upfront.
BYU's defense improved upon 2008's solid numbers, dropping its points per game allowed from 21.9 to 21.5 and its yards per game allowed from 356 to 329. Mendenhall may have trouble duplicating that feat this season with only five starters returning to Provo. The secondary figures to be the strength of the unit with three starters back, including top tackler Andrew Rich (85 tackles, four interceptions) and cornerback Brian Logan (44 tackles, 14 passes defended, three interceptions).
The Cougars face a tough non-conference schedule, hosting Washington and Nevada while having to travel to Florida State. Despite that demanding slate, BYU ought to garner at least three wins outside of the Mountain West. Mendenhall's squad looks superior to every almost conference foe, the exceptions being TCU and Utah, both of which the Cougars face away from home.
2010 College Football Predictions: 9-3 Overall, 6-2 Conference, Third Place Mountain West
BetUS.com BYU Cougars 2010 College Football Predictions – BCS Odds 2011:
BCS Odds 2011 (National Championship) +12000
Regular Season Win Total: Over 8 (-145), Under 8 (+115)
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