100 years ago, BYU played its first ever football game and it was a huge loss. But from those humble beginnings with lots of injures and no pads or helmets rose a program of national renown and glory. A Century of Cougar Football looks back at 100 years of grit on the gridiron.  Coming soon from kslsports.com and KSL Podcasts.

This year is special in BYU football history because it’s the Cougars’ 100-year anniversary. It’s been a century of big wins and heartbreaking losses. But along the way, there’s been a special quality that transcends the stats. Get more information on our website, KSLSports.com, and follow Mitch on Twitter @Mitch_Harper. A Century of Cougar Football is researched, hosted and written by Mitch Harper.  Rachel Miller-Howard also helped with writing and is responsible for audio production and sound design. Mixing by Trent Sell and Rachel Miller-Howard Special thanks to Madisan Hinkhouse and Nathan Dowdle.  And Executive Producer Sheryl Worsley A Century of Cougar Football is a KSL Podcast. Sponsors: A Century Of Cougar Football is sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU). UCCU has always been not-for-profit, always owned by its members, and always about people helping people. And that will never change. UCCU. Love Where You Bank.

On October 7th, 1922, BYU played its first official football game. The rules were brutal, there was no protective equipment, and the field was covered in rocks. The Cougars were demolished. For the first 50 years, the Cougars had to scratch and claw their way toward respectability.  Get more information on our website, KSLSports.com, and follow Mitch on Twitter @Mitch_Harper. A Century of Cougar Football is researched, hosted and written by Mitch Harper.  Rachel Miller-Howard also helped with writing and is responsible for audio production and sound design. Mixing by Trent Sell and Rachel Miller-Howard Special thanks to Madisan Hinkhouse and Nathan Dowdle.  And Executive Producer Sheryl Worsley A Century of Cougar Football is a KSL Podcast. Sponsors: A Century Of Cougar Football is sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU). UCCU has always been not-for-profit, always owned by its members, and always about people helping people. And that will never change. UCCU. Love Where You Bank.

LaVell Edwards was no ordinary football coach. He was soft spoken, humorous and humane, and a man of deep faith. As a coach and as a man, he was a saint. His legacy to treat the game differently – as well as the people who play it – lives on.   Get more information on our website, KSLSports.com, and follow Mitch on Twitter @Mitch_Harper. A Century of Cougar Football is researched, hosted and written by Mitch Harper.  Rachel Miller-Howard also helped with writing and is responsible for audio production and sound design. Mixing by Trent Sell and Rachel Miller-Howard Special thanks to Madisan Hinkhouse and Nathan Dowdle.  And Executive Producer Sheryl Worsley A Century of Cougar Football is a KSL Podcast. Sponsors: A Century Of Cougar Football is sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU). UCCU has always been not-for-profit, always owned by its members, and always about people helping people. And that will never change. UCCU. Love Where You Bank.

In 1972, Coach LaVell Edwards inherited a mediocre team and transformed his players into champions. His vision to pass the ball instead of run it changed the game forever. The quarterbacks who fulfilled this vision – Gary Sheide, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Robbie Bosco, and Ty Detmer. Get more information on our website, KSLSports.com, and follow Mitch on Twitter @Mitch_Harper. A Century of Cougar Football is researched, hosted and written by Mitch Harper.  Rachel Miller-Howard also helped with writing and is responsible for audio production and sound design. Mixing by Trent Sell and Rachel Miller-Howard Special thanks to Madisan Hinkhouse and Nathan Dowdle.  And Executive Producer Sheryl Worsley A Century of Cougar Football is a KSL Podcast. Sponsors: A Century Of Cougar Football is sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU). UCCU has always been not-for-profit, always owned by its members, and always about people helping people. And that will never change. UCCU. Love Where You Bank.

LaVell Edwards coached his last game in 2001. In the decade following his retirement, the Cougars saw triumph, scandal, and a curse. Coaches Gary Crowton and Bronco Mendenhall try to reimagine BYU football.  Get more information on our website, KSLSports.com, and follow Mitch on Twitter @Mitch_Harper. A Century of Cougar Football is researched, hosted and written by Mitch Harper.  Rachel Miller-Howard also helped with writing and is responsible for audio production and sound design. Mixing by Trent Sell and Rachel Miller-Howard Special thanks to Madisan Hinkhouse and Nathan Dowdle.  And Executive Producer Sheryl Worsley A Century of Cougar Football is a KSL Podcast. Sponsors: A Century Of Cougar Football is sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU). UCCU has always been not-for-profit, always owned by its members, and always about people helping people. And that will never change. UCCU. Love Where You Bank.

BYU adopts the radical idea to go independent, and chases the dream of entering the Big 12 Conference. Kalani Sitake assumes leadership and steers the Cougars through a pandemic and the rocky quest for Power 5 status.  Get more information on our website, KSLSports.com, and follow Mitch on Twitter @Mitch_Harper. A Century of Cougar Football is researched, hosted and written by Mitch Harper.  Rachel Miller-Howard also helped with writing and is responsible for audio production and sound design. Mixing by Trent Sell and Rachel Miller-Howard Special thanks to Madisan Hinkhouse and Nathan Dowdle.  And Executive Producer Sheryl Worsley A Century of Cougar Football is a KSL Podcast. Sponsors: A Century Of Cougar Football is sponsored by Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU). UCCU has always been not-for-profit, always owned by its members, and always about people helping people. And that will never change. UCCU. Love Where You Bank.