The 1971 BYU Cougars football team represented Brigham Young University (BYU) during the 1971 NCAA University Division football season. The Cougars competed as members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and played their home games at Cougar Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Season overview
- Head coach: LaVell Edwards (7th season)
- Conference: Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
- Overall record: 5 – 5
- Conference record: 4 – 3
- Conference standing: Tied for third place in the WAC
- Bowl participation: The team did not receive a bowl invitation.
Coaching and strategy
LaVell Edwards, who would become one of the most celebrated coaches in college football history, was in his seventh year leading the Cougars. Under his direction, the 1971 squad continued the gradual transition toward a more pass‑heavy offensive approach that would later define BYU football.
Key points of the season
- The Cougars opened the season with a mix of non‑conference and conference matchups, achieving a balanced .500 record.
- BYU recorded victories against several conference opponents, contributing to a winning WAC record despite an overall even win–loss tally.
- The rivalry game against the University of Utah, known as the "Holy War," was part of the schedule; the result of that contest contributed to the final overall record.
- No individual players from the 1971 team received major national awards, and none were selected in the 1972 NFL Draft, reflecting the team's relatively modest national profile at the time.
Historical context
The 1971 season was part of the early rebuilding phase for BYU football under Edwards. While the team did not achieve postseason success, the incremental improvements in record and conference performance laid groundwork for the program’s rapid ascent in the later 1970s, culminating in multiple conference titles and national prominence.
Facilities
Cougar Stadium, later renamed LaVell Edwards Stadium in honor of the longtime head coach, served as the home venue. The stadium had a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 during the 1971 season.
Legacy
Although the 1971 BYU Cougars did not capture a conference championship or earn a bowl berth, the season is noted for its role in the evolution of the program’s offensive philosophy and for providing valuable experience to the players and coaching staff that contributed to BYU’s future successes.
