Countdown to Kickoff (52): ESPN Preseason FPI favors BYU in 8 games

ESPN’s preseason Football Power Index (FPI) is out, and they see an improved BYU team in 2018.

BYU comes in at 44 in their preseason rankings and is favored in 8 games. BYU is an underdog in each of the first four games and favored in the remaining eight. Each of the first four opponents are ranked in the preseason Top 25 — Utah (22), Tennessee (15), USC (25) and Washington (17). Boise State (42) is the lone remaining team in the top 70.

After finishing last season 5-7, Tennessee is the highest rated team on BYU’s schedule and the least likely projected win. With a young core returning, FPI sees big improvement from the Vols. Another surprising ranking is Utah State, who is rated 83. Utah State returns star QB Jordan Love, but has to replace just about every other starter on offense.

Here are the full odds for each game from FPI.

Officially, FPI has BYU’s projected W-L at 7.5-4.5 with a 0.1% (so you’re saying there’s a chance?!) chance of winning out. USC and Boise State are the two biggest toss up games, with the season opener versus Utah right behind them.

What do you think BYU fans? Would you be satisfied if the season turned out this way?