Provo • So far this season, No. 9 BYU has been forced to play a lot of first-time opponents. That’s through no fault of its own — the Cougars had their strongest independence-era schedule ripped to shreds by COVID-19.
Five of the first seven opponents were a first for BYU. The Cougars had some familiarity with Houston having played against the Cougs in 2013 and 2014, but hadn’t played Navy in more than three decades — well before any of the current players were even born.
That all changes this week when BYU goes up against a familiar face, and one of its biggest rivals.
While not an in-state rival like Utah or Utah State, Boise State is probably the Cougars' next biggest foe.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake said he has a lot of appreciation and gratitude towards Boise State and the Mountain West for allowing this game to happen.
NO. 9 BYU AT NO. 21 BOISE STATE
When • Friday, 7:45 p.m.
TV • FS1
“There were times, when we were trying to build this schedule, I know that when [BYU athletic director] Tom [Holmoe] was working through it, that we didn’t know who was going to be out there,” Sitake said. “It was nice to have Boise step up and get to make this game happen, and to do it with their conference’s blessing. … There’s a lot of respect between the two programs and the fan bases. And just looking forward to the game — it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The two schools didn’t start playing each other until this millennia, when BYU was in the Mountain West and Boise State was still in the Western Athletic Conference. The relationship between both programs grew exponentially after BYU moved to independence, having played against each other nine times over the last 10 years.
The rivalry is expected to continue through 2034 as BYU has Boise State on 13 of its future schedules, playing every year, but 2024.
Without the Utah game and the battle for the Old Wagon Wheel with Utah State this year, having a game with the Broncos on the schedule brings a sense of normalcy to the pandemic-stricken season.
It won’t be the same as previous years because there won’t be a raucous crowd in the stands. However, on Tuesday, the Broncos were set to have a meeting to discuss potentially having family members in Albertsons Stadium this Friday, as reported by Idaho Statesman beat reporter Ron Counts. It was unclear if that would also include BYU family members.
“It certainly has a new element to this game,” junior wide receiver Dax Milne said. “I’ve been a part of games in the past and it’s a fun atmosphere. I know there won’t be any fans, but still, that energy will be there because I think everyone on that field will know just the kind of vibe, the rivalry that we’ve had, is exciting.”
And this year’s matchup is set to be even more exciting as both teams enter Friday’s game undefeated. BYU, which started its season earlier, is boasting a 7-0 record, while Boise State is 2-0 after picking apart Utah State and beating Air Force handily on the road.
BYU offensive lineman James Empey says Boise State is a great team and is certain the Broncos are going to be ready to go on Friday. Now it’s just a matter of whether the Cougars can rise to the challenge.
“Every year, it’s a great game,” Empey said. “It’s one of those challenges that everybody wants to rise to and play to. And that’s credit to them for being such a great organization and a tough, hard-nosed team. We’re excited to go out and play them on Friday.”
