Are BYU Football and Boise State rivals? In Idaho they are

The Boise State-BYU football rivalry is one of those things that people know exist, but can’t quite explain. Let’s attempt to do just that.

BYU Football played Boise State for the first time in 2003. The two schools are in different states, have never played in the same conference, and hold a lopsided 6-2 series record in favor of the Broncos.

Some ask, “Is this really a rivalry game?”

This question resurfaced this summer, when a picture of BYU Football’s goals appeared on Twitter. The tweet revealed a plaque, with several statements, including “win the rivalries”. The program made it clear who they were by mentioning the Utes , the Aggies, and the Broncos underneath the phrase.

We recently found out that Boise State football shares the sentiment, announcing a $10,000 or $15,000 bonus for head coach Bryan Harsin for beating the Cougars at home or on the road, respectively.

This really should come as no surprise. First of all, Idaho has 450,347 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which makes up more than 1/4 of the state’s total population. Of that group, it is apparent that the fandom split is about 50-50.

That’s not to say that every fan involved in the rivalry in Idaho is affiliated with the church that owns BYU. A large portion of the Boise State fan base isn’t, and believe it or not there are hundreds that root for the Cougars that aren’t either.

Still, there’s no denying that religion plays a large role in this rivalry. The state, communities, and yes, even families are divided on the issue. Even in my own, a brother has traded his blue and white gear for blue and orange.

There was once a day when the Boise State v. University of Idaho game stole all the headlines. Some Vandals, and even a few Broncos, still consider it the biggest show in Idaho. That day has come and gone. There’s no doubt which game has become of greatest concern for the majority in the Gem State the past few years.

It may mean even more than usual this time around. Boise State’s loss to San Diego State may keep them from being able to play for a Mountain West Conference title. BYU’s loss to Northern Illinois, along with not having a conference to participate in, make the importance of beating the Broncos as high a priority as ever.

In this rivalry, we seldom make wagers or talk trash to one another. We don’t usually argue or debate about which team is better, and we typically refrain from juvenile pranks.

When we communicate with each other during game week, we choose not to belittle each other verbally. Encounters consist of head nods, or even an occasionally smile suffices in such confrontations. The determining factor is acknowledged, no matter what our interactions may be; the winner in the series unequivocally has the upper hand!

More from Lawless Republic

No question, the game is more cordial than the BYU-Utah rivalry. It may not be as bitter or volatile, but don’t let the courteous interactions fool you. A loss to the Broncos hurts Idaho’s Cougar fans every bit as much as when Utahns lose to their counterparts in the Holy War.

There is no denying that it’s a lot harder to hold your head high after a loss to the opposing side in this rivalry.

Phrases like, “Shoot, you got us”, and ” Man, you have a tough bunch this year” are expected by the losing fans. It’s considered bad manners by the opposing group it’s not conceded. Idahoans refuse to be rude.

So BYU Football, before you go overlooking games in anticipation for those Utes, just remember one thing. The part of Cougar Nation just north of Utah is counting on you.

More than you might ever realize.

Home/BYU Football