Beat Writer @DarnellWrites joined us on @espnthefan to discuss BYU Basketball's nonconference schedule and the matchup fans are most excited about: Q: What was your first reaction to BYU’s nonconference schedule? Dickson: My first reaction was that it's very different from last year's schedule. With AJ Dybantsa on the roster, BYU had an opportunity to showcase him on some of college basketball's biggest stages. That helped open doors to games at TD Garden, Madison Square Garden against UConn, and Las Vegas. It was one of the most high-profile nonconference schedules BYU has ever played. This year's schedule isn't as flashy, but it accomplishes what it needs to. BYU is going to face one of the toughest conference schedules in the country in the Big 12, so there's really no reason to overload the nonconference slate. There are still plenty of quality opportunities. I like the exhibition schedule with Nebraska and UNLV. Opening the regular season against Ohio State at the Delta Center is a strong matchup, and the Maui Invitational gives them another chance to play quality competition. One thing I also really like is seeing Utah State and Weber State back on the schedule. For the first couple of years under Kevin Young, BYU didn't play any in-state opponents outside of Utah, and that was the first time since the early 1960s that had happened. Utah State is a very good team, and it's always fun to see those local rivalries return. Ultimately, this schedule is about preparing for the grind of the Big 12, which we all know is a gauntlet. Q: Fans seem especially excited about the Utah State and Weber State games. Why do you think those stand out? Dickson: I think people enjoy the in-state matchups. Mark Pope used to call those games "magic," and while I don't know if I'd go that far, they definitely create a different atmosphere. Those games matter to fans. When you look at the rest of the home nonconference schedule—Queens, Omaha, Montana State, Cal State Fullerton, La Salle—those aren't games that move the needle very much. But Utah State and Weber State do. They're local programs, there's familiarity, and the Marriott Center should have a great atmosphere for both. I remember talking with Chris Burgess last year about scheduling philosophy, and he mentioned looking at Arizona's model. Arizona challenged itself in the nonconference, even taking some losses, but those quality games helped its NCAA Tournament résumé. It's always a balancing act. This year's team is still adding new pieces and building chemistry, so you don't necessarily want to overload the schedule before conference play begins. Q: Looking at the schedule today, what's your projection for BYU's nonconference record? Dickson: I think anything more than two losses would be a real disappointment. The schedule sets up well. Most of the games are at home, with two at the Delta Center. The only significant travel comes with the Maui Invitational and the road game at San Diego State. We still don't know exactly what the final roster will look like because BYU still has scholarships available and is looking to add another big man. But based on what we know today, I think this team has a chance to run the table. At worst, they should be around one or two losses heading into Big 12 play. If they lose more than two games in the nonconference, I think that would be disappointing given the opportunities they have with this schedule.

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