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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- BYU and Utah will continue playing each other in football once they leave the Mountain West Conference next year.
The in-state rivals said Thursday they have agreed to a home-and-home series beginning in 2011. Utah is leaving the Mountain West to join the Pac-10 after this season. BYU is leaving the conference to become an independent program in football.
"We are pleased to announce the Deseret First Duel rivalry games will continue with Utah," said BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe. "The BYU-Utah rivalry is one of the best in the country and is very important to the fans of both schools."
The teams will play in Provo for the first game on Sept. 17, 2011, then the Cougars will travel to Salt Lake City for the Sept. 25, 2012 game.
"We are excited to continue our rivalry with BYU in football and men's basketball and our other sports are busy working out the logistics to make it happen as well," said Utah Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill. "It is an important rivalry to our fans and to everyone involved with Utah athletics."
To make room for the change, Utah canceled a three-game series with Boise State in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
BYU and Utah also agreed to a four-year home-and-home series in basketball.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
